I thought it best to wait a few weeks before I review Hull City’s disappointing end to what had been, at times an enjoyable season.
And whilst summarising City’s exit from the Premier League, I shall refrain from touching on the dragging issue of the club’s name change – that has gone far enough in my opinion.
2014/15
City for the most part performed admirably in England’s top-flight; still this unfortunately could not guarantee them another successive campaign amidst the likes of Chelsea, Man City, United and Arsenal.
After the heroics of last year’s FA Cup rollercoaster, anything but another cup-run in 2014/15 would fall short of a trip to Wembley. But, let’s look at the facts…
Investment had been a theme, this year more than any other on Humberside, luring the likes of Abel Hernandez (the club’s record £11million buy), Mo Diame, Michael Dawson and a number of other ‘marquee’ signings to the KC Stadium.
Of course, some did not work out for whatever reason (Robert Snodgrass and his untimely injury).
But, when you throw around £45million at a club, who have spent little in their entire existence (going by today’s extortionate standards), you expect results to go your way. This evidently did not happen.
Of course, it would be ridiculous to assume that a handful of signings could catapult a club back to a successive FA Cup final. We would never in our wildest dreams believe that this would be possible; however Premier League survival would be one of the boxes ticked at the start of the season…
Now, Steve Bruce is certainly a man with experience at the highest level – both as a player and a manager.
After playing for Manchester United, under the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, it would seem safe to say that a ‘winning mentality’ had being impressed on Bruce.
Still, at times throughout the season admitting that his side had ‘not been good enough’ or ‘unlucky’ not to come away with anything from the game seemed uncharacteristic of City’s boss.
This at first would seem to be a fair or calculated approach to dealing with the press, yet in the dying embers of a season this may have perhaps worked against the moral of his side.
2015/16
The approaching season will no doubt be a means to an end for a club with a taste for the top-flight – though with derbies against Leeds United and a Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town to kick things off, the fans will still be in for an eventful campaign.
Bruce and his squad (of which will no doubt see changes) will be determined to bounce-back in emphatic fashion, having come so close to securing survival.
This will be a tough ask, as fellow Premier League drop outs QPR and Burnley will look to reciprocate their efforts.
But, an example to follow in my opinion, is that of Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, who just the other month stunned the Sky Bet Championship.
Yes, admittedly it is perhaps a different style of football to that of Bruce’s conservative approach; however the carefree ethos that was so infectious about Bournemouth was arguably the most enjoyable part of their game.
The Premier League ‘first-timers’ truly encapsulated the meaning of the beautiful game; with fast, attacking football that was quite simply a joy to watch.
This type of football clearly works, though I’m sure Bruce will try harness this ever so slightly.
Providing Hull City are able to recreate a similar style of football to go with a solidified foundation – with the likes of Michael Dawson committing his future to the City of Culture’s club – then Premier League status may be just around the corner.
The Tigers will however have to fight hard to keep a number of keys players as the pre-season fixture list approaches.
Nikica Jelavic, Robbie Brady and Andrew Robertson are but a few who have been linked with moves away from the KC.
This was of course a given; as the financial climate of the Sky Bet Championship often alarms those who have become accustom to a Premier League salary – though I was confused as to why the likes of Liam Rosenior and Paul McShane were so easily parted from the club’s books.
Having seen the way players come and go in today’s game, keeping two pro’s who are not only experienced Championship players, but who have shown Bruce’s outfit relentless loyalty, would surely be a priority?
If a handful of players, including Robertson and Ahmed El Mohamady were to jump back to the Premier League, the two former Hull defenders would surely be perfect replacements…
Anyway, what’s done is done. After all it is not all doom and gloom for Hull City. Personally, a transition period in the Sky Bet Championship can have a positive effect on a club like Hull.
Being a club with limited, but increasing finances, a promotion could be the defining moment in the next few calendar years for the Tigers.
With a nucleus of top-class players and a reputable manager to keep these characters together, I believe we as fans must trust in Bruce to deliver another successful campaign.
However, signings must be made quickly to counteract the exodus that could follow in the coming weeks, and these must be made not only to tackle this season; but to tackle a possible Premier League return.
Hullture Hub 