Sergej Jakirovic on his plans for the future as he reveals Hull City honour

Jakirovic's inaugural campaign in English football has seen him lift a club that survived relegation only on goal difference last season, hit with a transfer embargo and a flurry of injuries to key players, to within touching distance of a play-off place and a shot at Premier League football.

Saturday's 1-1 draw with Birmingham City may have been frustrating, with City dropping more crucial points, but they remain in a strong position, and their destiny is firmly in their own hands.

His performance hasn't gone unnoticed, with him nominated for the Championship's Manager of the Year, along with Coventry City chief Frank Lampard, Millwall's Alex Neil and Middlesbrough's Kim Hellberg.

Lampard is the favourite to claim the prize, after guiding Coventry City to promotion to the Premier League, after securing the point they needed at Blackburn Rovers on Friday evening, ending a 25-year wait for a top-flight football.

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The winner of that crown will be revealed at the EFL's annual awards night in London on Sunday evening, with Jakirovic admitting what an honour it is to be heralded for his work.

"It's a big honour for me in my first season in the Championship," the Croatian told Hull Live. "We spoke, if you remember, in my first press conference when I said it's still football when I was asked how I will adapt to this competition. I think that I adapted good and I know much more now than when I arrived in the club, and for example, for the next season I know exactly what we need. I mean, players and everything, it's huge.

"Being in this company, such a competitive environment. Every coach here is doing a great job. It's not easy, it depends on the budget, depends on the injured players and everything, so it's a big honour for me."

Jakirovic has even got himself kitted out for the occasion, treating himself to a complete new suit and shoes for the occasion at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, helped by former City ace and long-term kitman John Eyre.

"Yeah, I spent some money," the Croatian said with a smile when asked by Hull Live if he'd treated himself to a new outfit. "Shoes as well.

"Everything. I buy everything. I can say, Leonard Silver (on Saville Street). They were, long years ago, the sponsor of the club, for the suits, I think, yeah, so good. Everything was very professional, very nice people and very easy with my broken English."

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