The Tigers boss is nominated for the second time in three months
Barry Cooper Hull City correspondent
06:00, 15 Jan 2026
Sergej Jakirovic masterminded a 1-0 win at Boro to finish off a strong December (Image: Harriet Massey/Getty Images)
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic has been nominated for the December Manager of the Month, after a terrific return following a humbling defeat to start the festive season.
The Tigers were thrashed 4-1 by Middlesbrough at the start of December, having found themselves four down at half-time before Joe Gelhardt scored his 10th goal of the season from the penalty spot.
Gelhardt would later go off injured and remain on the sidelines, but Jakirovic’s men responded brilliantly with wins over Millwall, Wrexham, West Brom and at Middlesbrough, as well as twice fighting back to earn a 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday in a pulsating Yorkshire derby.
City took 13 points from a possible 18 in arguably the most gruelling month of the season, which saw them move to within two points of the top two after that win at the Riverside Stadium to round off 2025.
Jakirovic, who was nominated back in October and missed out to Frank Lampard, is up against Javi Gracia, Vitor Matos and Kieran McKenna.
Javi Gracia (Watford)
Welcomed back by the Watford fans, Gracia has brought smiles and winning football in his second spell. His tactical flexibility is being enjoyed by his players, while 14 points from seven games moved them into promotion contention.
Sergej Jakirovic (Hull City
Hull City opened the month with a 4-1 home defeat in which they lost leading scorer Joe Gelhardt to injury. A haul of 13 points from five games after that, including wins at Millwall and Middlesbrough, showed their resilience and spirit under Jakirovic.
Vitor Matos (Swansea City)
Matos has restored hope in South Wales, guiding his new side to four wins from six December games. He has instilled an aggression and energy out of possession, which has pushed Swansea up the pitch and led to three clean sheets.
Kieran McKenna (Ipswich Town)
McKenna continued to build momentum at Portman Road, picking players to suit opponents and leading Ipswich into the top three with 14 points from seven games, including beating leaders Coventry home and away without conceding.
The final decision will be made by former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Don Goodman, and Sky Bet’s Ivor Davies, with the winner announced on Friday morning.
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