Millwall and QPR's Championship rivals get permission to speak to 'unbelievable' manager

Millwall and Hull City’s Championship rivals Hull City could be a step closer to hiring a new head coach after sacking Tim Walter just 17 games into his reign. Walter was brought in to replace fan favourite Liam Rosenior, who took the Tigers within an arm’s reach of the playoffs last season.

Rosenior was nominated for manager of the year in the second tier and was sacked shortly after. Walter was chosen as his replacement, with Hull’s controversial owner Acun Ilcali committed another misstep. Walter managed just three wins in 18 games, and Hull are currently 22nd in the Championship table, just goal difference above QPR.

Hull’s search for a new boss is well underway, though, and they are turning to Reading’s Valencian boss Ruben Selles. Selles had a brief spell as Southampton boss having been part of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s coaching staff. Selles has worked wonders with Reading, navigating an ultra-young squad and circus-like circumstances at the Berkshire club, guiding them to sixth in the League One table so far.

The Tigers have requested permission to speak to Selles and Reading have granted the permission, with a fee likely being agreed between the two clubs pending Selles and Hull agreeing on a deal.

Praise for Selles

Reading veteran Harlee Dean recently issues a glowing verdict of Selles. "I didn’t know it was as bad as this," he told the Undr the Cosh podcast. "Out of the frying pan and into the fire. When we did it, we knew that there were problems, but we were told it was about to be resolved- they definitely weren’t about to be resolved.

"I’d been at Blues for years; Reading is in a far worse position than Blues is off the pitch. We always got paid at Blues, there have been times where we haven’t been paid at Reading, or late or you had £1 in at 12 and the rest at whatever other time. The amount of people made redundant- there’s no staff. Reading’s training ground is incredible, it’s the best I’ve ever seen. Last year we had no chefs so after training was prepped food that you chuck in a microwave. No overnight travel."

Dean added: “If it wasn’t for the manager- he’s done an unbelievable job because he’s just used kids from the Academy. It doesn’t matter how old you are. His style of play is counter-pressing- it’s just high-speed running. Having young lads that will just run is perfect for him and it’s really worked. You’ve got some good players among that; Lewis Wing is unbelievably technically. We’ve got some young lads who can score goals and they’re doing alright this year. It was unbelievable to stay up last year after all the club went through."