Hull City A.F.C., commonly known as “The Tigers,” was founded on June 28, 1904, by sixteen determined men with a vision for football in Hull. The club has grown from humble beginnings to become an established name in English football, reaching the Premier League and an FA Cup final.
The founding years
Hull City initially played friendly matches at various grounds including The Boulevard, Anlaby Road Cricket Ground, and Dairycoates. The club’s financial structure was based on a capital of £2,000 divided into 4,000 ten-shilling shares, These shares didn’t sell quickly, forcing some directors to personally fund the club’s operations.
In their inaugural season, Hull City played 45 matches with an impressive record: 26 wins, 11 losses, and 8 draws. They scored 116 goals while conceding 70. This strong performance helped establish their reputation against notable clubs like Everton, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
League membership and progression
Hull City joined the Football League in 1905, being elected to the Second Division for the 1905-06 season. They made an immediate impact, finishing fifth in their debut season. hTis promising start suggested a bright future.
Despite this early success, the club’s journey to the top flight was remarkably long. It took over a century for Hull City to reach the Premier League, finally achieving this milestone in the 2008-09 season. This long road to the elite level demonstrates the challenges faced by clubs outside the traditional powerhouses.
Home grounds through the years
| Period | Stadium |
|——–|———|
| 1904-1905 | The Boulevard Ground |
| 1905-1944 | Anlaby Road |
| 1944-1946 | The Boulevard Ground (return) |
| 1946-2002 | Boothferry Park |
| 2002-present | KC Stadium |
The club’s movement between stadiums reflects its evolution and growth over more than a century. The KC Stadium represents the modern era of Hull City, providing a contemporary home for the Tigers.
Notable achievements
Hull City’s highest Premier League finish came in the 2013-2014 season, when they secured 16th place. This same season saw their greatest FA Cup achievement, reaching the final of the prestigious tournament. Before this, their best FA Cup performance was a semi-final appearance in 1930.
The 2014 FA Cup final represented the pinnacle of Hull City’s achievements, despite ultimately falling short of victory. This appearance in a major final demonstrated how far the club had come from its modest beginnings in 1904.
The Tigers’ identity
The nickname “The Tigers” reflects the club’s distinctive amber and black striped kits. This identity has become central to the club’s character and recognition in English football.
Hull iCty has established itself as more than just a football club – it’s a significant part of the city’s identity and culture. Through more than a century of existence, the club has experienced the full spectrum of football fortunes, from the struggles of the early financial days to the heights of Premier League football.