Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has called on the club to unite going into a crucial festive period and beyond into the New Year, as the Tigers look to escape the clutches of the Championship's relegation zone.

City secured a hugely significant 2-1 win over Swansea City on Saturday to end their longest run without a victory since 2002, thanks to a goal in each half from Joao Pedro and Mason Burstow, who curled in a beauty in the final ten minutes.

That first win in 14 games handed Ruben Selles a maiden victory as City boss in just his third game, and moved the Tigers off the foot of the Championship table and out of the bottom three, meaning they avoid the embarrassment and worry of being bottom at Christmas.

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Selles' side will go to Preston North End on Boxing Day with renewed vigour after a landmark success, and once their performance is completely merited and goes some way to vindicating the faith the Tigers owner has placed in the 41-year-old Spaniard.

"We have welcomed several new members into the Hull City family, as Rubén Sellés and his coaching staff, James Oliver-Pearce and Tobias Loveland, agreed to join our journey," the Turkish businessman said. "Rubén was our number one target, and throughout our extensive recruitment process, it was clear that his ambition aligned with ours. We are confident in his methods, and the progress made on the training pitch in such a short period will result in points and on-field improvement. We have a talented squad, and they have my full support as we head into the much-loved and relentless run of Christmas fixtures.

"The demands on the backroom team during this challenging period, who will be foregoing the traditional family Christmas to ensure the team are suitably prepared for Boxing Day and beyond, can often be overlooked by some. As such, I would like to highlight their continued dedication and effort, as I’m immensely grateful for the core of talented individuals all working with the same passion to drive this club forward.

"In a year that has seen Corendon Airlines and Anex Tour facilitated 150+ Tigers supporters to join training camps in Türkiye, MKM relaunch an improved best seat in the house and KCOM’s giveback initiatives growing to support over thirty grassroots clubs, it would be remiss of me not to recognise the support of our brilliant commercial partners. Their investment into the club over the last calendar year is not taken for granted, and we appreciate the difference that they continue to make within our Hull City family, both locally and in my beautiful home country.

"To sign off, I have one final message to you, the amazing Hull City supporters. As 2024 draws to a close, I wanted to take the time to thank you for your continued support. Whether it’s at home in Hull, or 330 miles away in Plymouth, your passion and vocal backing is appreciated and valued by all. I know that through Rubén, our staff and players will give everything for this club. We have big, important fixtures on the horizon. As a collective unit, players, staff, supporters, we are strong. We must remain together as one family.

"Thank you once again for your support and I wish you and your family all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year," he concluded.