Porto boss target Silva calls time on Hull reign

Hull City, relegated from the Premier League, last night announced the departure of head coach Marco Silva.

The 39-year-old opted to leave his position following a meeting with the club’s owners.

Silva signed a shortterm deal in January but failed to stave off the Tigers’ immediate return to the Sky Bet Championship, with a 2-0 defeat to Sunderland proving costly in the run-in.

Tigers vice-chairman Ehab Allam said: “The way the contract was structured meant there would be one year left on his contract had we stayed in the Premier League – but with relegation unfortunately he had the option to go.

“He’s been fantastic for us but I accept he’s a better calibre manager than the Championship. I understand why he wants to stay in the Premier League or go to a big European club with the prospect of Champions League football.

“We’d love him to stay. We’re very sad to lose him but I respect why he’s taken the decision.

“We attained 21 points in 18 games (with Silva in charge) and if we’d had that through the (whole) season we’d have been mid-table.

“I can understand why there’s so much interest in him. The improvement was there for all to see and if he gets a full season anywhere else I’m sure he’ll do a fantastic job.”

Silva’s departure had been widely expected and he has been strongly linked with Porto, while he also heads the betting to replace Sam Allardyce at Crystal Palace.

The news is a bitter blow to Tigers’ fans, who made it clear they wanted him to stay during and after Sunday’s 7-1 rout by Tottenham.

Silva’s appointment was widely questioned when he replaced the sacked Mike Phelan in January with the Tigers seemingly doomed to the drop. But the the former Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos boss led the club to the brink of safety after six wins from seven unbeaten home games.

Hull are now seeking a fourth manager in less than 12 months following the departures of Steve Bruce, Phelan and Silva.