ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Hull City

Posted by Tom Collins on 08/22/2009

Tireless underappreciated grafter, or useless donkey? That seems to be the spilt of opinion on the merits of Tigers striker Caleb Folan. Saturday’s game against Bolton would tend to back up the latter viewpoint; an hour of huff and puff from a sloppy looking home side was followed by an exciting final 30 minutes, in which substitute Jozy Altidore replaced Folan, before setting up one goal and almost scoring two more.

But is it as simple as that? Phil Brown certainly doesn’t think so, claiming post-match that Folan’s efforts tired the Bolton centre halves, making it easier for Altidore to make an impact on the game. There may be a grain of truth in that, and certainly no-one can fault Folan’s effort, but technically the former Wigan striker is clearly extremely limited at this level. The ball wasn’t sticking to him in the first half, putting the side constantly under pressure and unable to get any forward momentum.

As soon as the more technically sound Altidore appeared, City were able to get at Bolton, scoring on the hour mark and having the better chances in the closing stages. It was a shame the new partnership of Altidore and Ghilas couldn’t conjure another goal to make the game safe. Those four minutes of injury time made for tricky viewing!

Jozy and Kamel look set to lead the line in the game at Wolves next Saturday, and it will be interesting to see if an effective partnership can be forged that will score the goals to keep City up. They look to have the makings of a good double act, with the pace and sharpness of Ghilas seemingly dovetailing nicely with Jozy’s power and strength. Only time will tell if Phil Brown has unearthed two gems, but the last half hour of Saturday’s game bodes well.

Folan received a hard time from a section of the Black and Amber Army on Saturday, which is probably a tad harsh, considering his efforts for the Tigers. The forward has scored some crucial goals in his Tigers career, including the winner in City’s opening Premier League game against Fulham, and the goal that clinched The Tigers’ play-off final place in 07/08. That season earned Folan the perhaps unfortunate tag of super sub, someone to come on when star strikers Dean Windass and Fraiser Campbell had had their fun. With the signings of Marlon King and Daniel Cousin last season, Folan found his own opportunities limited.

However, Caleb again looks set to be a bit-part player this season, with the emergence of an Altidore/Ghilas partnership showing promise, as well as the prospect of further new signings before the end of the transfer window. Republic of Ireland international Folan has already voiced concerns over a lack of opportunities in a World Cup year, and may request a move in a bid for first-team football. Clubs such as QPR have previously shown interest in Folan, and would take him to a level of football I feel he belongs.

Folan seems to be dividing opinion at the moment. What do you think? Does he have a future at the KC?

Comments

Posted by Brian P on 08/23/2009

Jozy Altidore...hmm..sounds familiar.
I guess SOMEONE had to get it right. Unfortunately it couldnt be the correspondent, but hey, when you have a anti-american bias handicap you when choosing a writer, you get what you deserve.
Today espn showed their first ever premier league match in the states, and monday will be their second. Im very excited over the possibility of being able to watch more matches than just read about them.
Expanding my first hand knowledge of premier league football cant be a good thing since the gap will just widen and soccernet cant pick the best peopleto write now to begin with.
I did like the commentators on espn today. Im from CT, where espn has its headquarters.
Ive found Americans are more welcoming, and open than Brits, and I hope it rubs off on them.
Its really a shame that 3 of City's 4 signings have had direct contributions to the goals this season but instead of positives we are left to discuss negatives. How hard is it to be a fan of the team?

Posted by BIll on 08/23/2009

I say no...its time for Folan to go. I enjoy watching Caleb battle as he is a scrappy player who is always giving his best. He does wear down opponents with a good work effort, but in the end, a good striker in the Premier League has to score more than 3 or 4 times a year. Crucial goals or not, this team is going to need finishers if it is going to continue to stay up, and I just dont see that in Caleb. That being said, hes far better than Cousin and wouldnt mind having Folan on the bench....DC can go elsewhere.

Posted by Mike on 08/23/2009

I think you're right about Folan. Granted I've been a Hull fan for all of three games now. But against Spurs especially he produced absolute nil. And obviously vs. Bolton things changed quite quickly and dramatically when he left.

I took PB's comments as being generous, for the reasons you mentioned, i.e. Folan has been important to getting the club where they are today. But it seemed clear to me that Folan's TEAMMATES don't have faith in him. As soon as they saw what Altidore could do, you could tell the midfield was working harder, esp. Geo, as if they suspected now that their efforts would pay off.

But I wouldn't focus on the negative of Folan's descent, Hull fans should be savoring the emerging prospect of a Jozy/Ghilas duo as you rightly mention. In truth, they should've scored four goals between them. And when you consider Geo and Hunt setting those two up, I don't see that side getting relegated.

Posted by Mike on 08/23/2009

TC don't let Brian P get you down.

I hope for his sake he's joking.

BTW, last week's Hull-Chelsea was the first match shown on ESPN here in the States. Tell him he didn't get the correspondent's job b/c he doesn't triangulate his facts.

But that said, I do echo his insistence on focusing on positives. Don't kick a Folan when he's down, let's look ahead rather to planning how Hull can best integrate their obviously wonderful signings with their existing cast...

Posted by Erik S on 08/23/2009

Saturday's game versus Bolton was a tale of two halves. Like TC said, this is because Jozy came on resulting in a more direct approach. When Caleb plays, we use a more long ball approach which doesn't work for us. When our midfield is not technically gifted and cannot pass the ball well, a 4-5-1 with a target man like Caleb isn't effective. In a 4-5-1 you need a strong, creative midfield who can pass and support the lone striker. We don't have this in our squad, so when Caleb knocks down a ball, we lose possession, which was the problem in the first half. We need to play the ball on the ground which will release Geo, Jozy, and Kamel on quick attacks. That is what we saw in the second half vs Bolton, and it was higly effective, creating 5 fantastic scoring oppertunities in the final 30 minutes. This will allow us to play entertaining attacking football which will get us goals, hopefully promote positive displays and earn wins. Still I would like to see Caleb stay as he still offers alot

Posted by josh on 08/24/2009

enjoy your blogs from texas, keep it up

Posted by KenL on 08/24/2009

Negredo who? Ghilas and Jozy have more chemistry than Hall & Oates, Becks & Posh, Saint & Greavsie. I hope they are our scoring saviors. Being stuck here in California, I can only catch so many games (pubs still closed at 4.30 a.m.) so I can't make a fair assessment of Folan. But he cuts a sympathetic figure doesn't he? You want him to do well and he's been with us for ages. After watching last April's match against Villa I can say, Get rid of Cousin. He looked lazy and petulant and in that must-win match, I could have kicked him where it hurts I was so annoyed. I'm very fond of Fagan as well so Folan looks in trouble, and Hunt is an absolute gem of a find, a workhorse. Folan just could not keep ahold of the ball on Saturday. But we should keep him. Maybe we could stick him at right back?!

Posted by Hep on 08/24/2009

Saturday was a very difficult game to watch. Feeling very lucky to go in 0-0 at half time, to the joy of the Jozy/Kamel partnership giving it's first glimpse of the possible future with the goal. Then the cries of despair as we couldn't finish off those three chances at the end. Finally the nail biting nervous finish that City seem to love to provide when leading a game.

We got through it all and can now announce our first home win of 2009. Finally.

As for Folan, as good as he was last year it's time to go I think. I feel sorry for him because he does try but there is no end product. Brian what does your friend in Hull tell you to think about him???

Man of the match for me on Saturday was Myhill who made 1 or 2 good saves in the first half to keep us in it and then a brilliant double save at the end of the game to keep us ahead. Kamel next for his energy and well taken goal.

Looking forward to the Wolves game at the weekend lets hope we're all happy same time next week.

Posted by Brad from SoCal on 08/24/2009

It's too early for this kind of talk. Saturday's match was exciting and great, but we need to push on. Finally, some shot attempts! But too many giveaways and stupid fouls. Possession must increase. Bolton got too many chances close in in the final minutes. Let's see these guys play together for a while before sending anyone away.

Posted by Sonny on 08/25/2009

Keep up the good work, Mr. Collins. As an American who has seen all of our recent national-team games, I was a little worried about Altidore. Recently, his first touch has been heavy--really heavy. But for Hull, he was like a man transformed! I hope he keeps it up.

I'll level with you: I don't like Phil Brown too much, in part because Phil Brown likes Phil Brown too much. But my love of Altidore outweighs my dislike of Brown, and Hull are now my "second team." Cheers!

Posted by D Troppens on 08/25/2009

I have been a Hull fan for all of three games as well. I am a Michigander who is trying to learn more about the Premier League. I selected Hull City because they are the Tigers, the same as my Detroit Tigers baseball team. Connect that with the fact that I have never been one to immediately select a team at the top of the standings (I mean table), and Hull City made a great selection.

I was really lucky to find out ESPN showed the Hull-Chelsea game. I taped it and have watched it 3 other times so I can get the names to soak through my skull. When I found out Altidore was picked up, that gave me more reason to be excited, although I really wondered if he could make an impact. But, I guess that was answered rather quickly the other day. He is a direct player. It'll be interesting to see how Hull incorportates him into it's lineup. Until the next game GO HULL! It's great seeing the team get a W. GO HULL!

Posted by Mig H on 08/25/2009

Hey, City fans, good luck with young Josmer. He's a handful, fun to watch, and will give you grey hairs because he's 19 and still learning his craft.

As one avid US watcher of the Prem and the US team, I can say that I have confidence that your gang will not be in relegation danger by at New Year's time.

Regards,

Posted by Austin from Texas on 08/25/2009

Nice blog TC. Recent Hull fan as well. I hope Jozy can progress like Hull City has the past decade. Folan sounds a lot like Ching on the US National squad. Forget about relegation we are climbing the table. Go Tigers!

Posted by Skunk on 08/27/2009

After watching the game against Bolton, i must say i'm impressed by the Geovanni-Ghilas-Altidore triple threat that overwhelmed Bolton's defence again and again. if only Hunt and Fagan were able to get in on other possible combinations, then Hull would become a threat to the likes of Man City and Everton possibly.

Posted by KenL on 08/29/2009

Man, it's great to see all of these Hull City fans! You fellows who have been around for three games let me tell you, the 90s (I've been a fan since 1991) were bad times and most of the 00s weren't much better! So you picked up the torch at a good time. If bad times should darken our door again try not to jump ship. Keep up that Hull spirit because once you've picked a team to support you can't switch allegiances (a curse of Hull hemmorhoids will bewitch you). I just have to mention, I'm also a South Carolina Gamecock fan-- almost as frustrating as being a Hull fan.
Now let's beat Wolves!!!!!! And if we sell Turner I will curse Brownie!!!

Posted by DTroppens on 08/30/2009

I'd love to hear a more detailed report on Saturday's draw. I only read the report on this site. How did Hull look? I figure as long as Hull averages a point a game (38 points for the season), the squad is safe from relegation. And maybe another year establishing some firm feet into the Premier ground, would do their offseason action some good.

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