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2009/10 Season Preview - Hull
2008/09 - If ever a club went through the proverbial ‘season of two halves’, it was Hull City. Sublime before Christmas, they lit up the Premier League with confident attacking football and some fantastic victories. Particularly away from home, The Tigers were winning plaudits up and down the country and Europe was within sight. Just a few months later however, and the early season form had well and truly deserted them, Hull becoming one of the odds-on favourites for relegation. They did survive – just – and despite a woeful run, they secured another season of top flight football, making 2008/09 an unconventional success.
2009/10 - Hull have now lost the element of surprise which probably won them so many early season points last year and without a doubt they need to strengthen a squad which has picked up only one league victory in 2009. The KC Stadium was not the fortress which Phil Brown demanded and home form will have to improve drastically if City are to improve on 17th place. Avoiding relegation will once again be the name of the game.
Transfer Campaign - It would be an understatement to say that Hull City have endured a somewhat frustrating time in the current transfer window. Desperate to strengthen a squad which looks devoid of confidence, The Tigers made offers to strikers Fraizer Campbell, Marc-Antoine Fortune and even Michael Owen in an attempt boost personnel, but all chose to join other clubs. A move for Sunderland’s Daryl Murphy fell threw at the last minute and Jerome Thomas failed to impress on trial, while at the other end, Hull have let Sam Ricketts leave for Bolton. Phil Brown will have to act fast to get players in before the season starts, with Stoke midfielder Olofinjana heading a list of reported targets including Ross McCormack, Henri Camara, and Habib Beye.
Transfers in (Player, club from, fee)
Steven Mouyokolo – Boulogne - undisclosed
Jozi Altidore – Villareal – Loan
Transfers out (Player, club to, fee)
Sam Ricketts – Bolton - £3 million
Michael Bridges, Ryan France, John Welsh, Dean Windass – all released
First XI - Hull’s early season attacking mentality was quickly replaced by a more defensive approach as points became harder and harder to come by. Playing one up front didn’t stop the rot, and Phil Brown must be more positive in his team selection this year. Holding onto Michael Turner is just as important as bringing in fresh faces and his name will be the first on the team sheet. Captain Ian Ashbee and £5 million January signing Jimmy Bullard should return to action in September, and they will provide a much needed boost in midfield. Injuries aside, Hull’s current strongest team would be something like the following:
1 Myhill
15. Mendy - 6. Turner - 5. Gardner - 17. Kilbane
22. Marney - 20. Boateng - 33. Bullard - 8. Barmby
25. Cousin -10. Geovanni
The Manager - While some managers like to let the players do the talking, you get the feeling that Phil Brown is more than happy in the spotlight. His Hull career has to be referred to as successful up until now, with promotion and avoiding relegation from, the Premier League. However his time in charge has not been without controversy, with many blaming Hull’s shocking post-Christmas form on Brown’s rather unorthodox on-field teamtalk at Manchester City. A change in tactics also saw the manager prefer to play with a lone striker, crowding the midfield. A return to the traditional ‘two up top’ will surely be on Brown’s mind, particularly if The Tigers start the season in the same way they ended the last. While his job is safe for now, expect more than a few calls for his head if form does not improve.
Creative Force - Hull will be looking to, the at times unpredictable, Geovanni to provide the creative spark needed in the Premier League. While his talent is unquestionable, his work-rate sometimes leaves a lot to be desired, and although he began the season in good form, his effort – and goals – dried up along with The Tigers’ decline. Despite this, he is likely to be a key player for the black-and-amber team simply because, on his day, he can be a match-winner, something which Hull don’t have in abundance. Keep him happy and he may be the difference between relegation and survival.
Mr Reliable - While many would say Michael Turner must be first choice for this accolade, Hull will be looking to old-pro George Boateng to help keep their heads above water. Boateng is used to a scrap, and knows when to pass, and when to retain the ball. His performances last season were consistently good, if not spectacular, but Hull need a cool head to galvanize the team when under pressure, and Boateng is more than capable. If he can remain fit for the season, his experience will once again prove invaluable.
Youth prospect - After an impressive season for the youth team last season, youngster Tom Cairney has been given the chance to mix it with the big boys this pre-season. He has scored on two occasions, and put in some impressive performances, culminating in a starting role in the Asia Cup Final versus Spurs. An energetic midfielder with an eye for goal and the ability to produce a killer pass, he could just be Phil Brown’s unexpected secret weapon.
The Fixtures - Hull will be hoping to catch Chelsea cold on the opening day at Stamford Bridge, although in reality this may have to be put down as a write-off. Hull will have to be much tougher to play against at the KC, and their first three home games – Spurs, Bolton and Birmingham – should prove decent opportunities to gain some vital early points. Three of the last six games are against teams expected to be fighting relegation, and Hull will hope to be safe by the time Liverpool come to town on the final day of the season. Otherwise, expect another nervy conclusion to the campaign.
Home Grown Talent -Hull City are committed to home grown talent, and are investing heavily in an academy.
Where talented youngsters have gone on to other clubs in the past, The Tigers’ Premier League status is keeping exciting local prospects in Hull. With fifteen English players currently in the first team squad, there is a sense of patriotism at the club, although realistically only two of these – Michael Turner and Jimmy Bullard – are knocking on the international door.
Season Prediction - Although fans are worrying about the lack of new faces, by the end of the transfer window it is expected that at least 5 players will have been brought in. This is vital if Hull are to compete in the Premier League this year, as the current squad is not good enough, and is rightly one of the favourites for relegation. Don’t expect as many away day highs this year, as Phil Brown is likely to ‘shut up shop’ at the likes of Old Trafford and the Emirates, although home form should improve with more attacking football. If Hull can have a positive start, they may be able to recover lost confidence, but it may be a long season for the City faithful. A Different League predicts another relegation battle on the cards.
2009/10 Season previews
Arsenal
Aston Villa
Birmingham City
Blackburn Rovers
Burnley
Chelsea
Everton
Fulham
Hull City
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