Just thought I’d stick a quick report from last night’s reserve game against Bolton, which saw the return of City’s £5 million signing Jimmy Bullard. JB played the first 45 minutes of the game, scoring with a cracker from 25 yards with his final touch of the half (there should be a vid on Youtube, it’s really worth a look). Bullard did everything you would expect in what really amounted to a glorified training session, pulling the strings comfortably and getting plenty of time on the ball. He also rode several challenges and strung up quickly after getting clattered, both of which were good to see.

Some other first teamers also got a run out. Steven Muyokolo and Liam Cooper were partners at centre half. Cooper did well, despite the side’s 2-1 defeat, but Myokolo still looked a little naïve for me. I’d be surprised if he plays many games this season. Craig Fagan looked lively in an appearance that may well be his last in a City shirt. I’m sure all City fans will join me in hoping he can resolve his personal issues with Phil Brown. He has been a terrific servant for this club.

Anyhoo, Q+A time again . . . .

Mike asked…

1) Why are you such an advocate of the 4-4-2 for HC? Did Hull use it last year to significant effect? They certainly haven't this year.
TC) I’ve always preferred 442 as a formation, particularly at home against the weaker sides, which I considered Wigan to be. I think it gives a nice balance and would suit our side better, because of the personnel we have this season. I haven’t seen a striker we have yet who looks good upfront on their own. Last season Marlon King did very well in the lone role, but VOH, and Altidore have both struggled in that position. Both would play better with Ghlias alongside them in my opinion.

Last season, we had much success playing King through the middle in a 433/451 depending on how the game went. I agree that at times 4-5-1 is a necessity, because of our lack of quality and the need to try and stifle more talented opponents. However, I find it a negative way of playing in games you have a chance of winning. I’d rather see us try to take the initiative at home like Burnley are. It doesn’t seem to be doing them any harm at Turf Moor.

2) No reason we can't shoot for tenth place minimum this year. Who are the 16 teams who "on paper" are better than City??
TC) I like your optimism, but City do not have a hope in hell of making 10th or better this season. There are just too many financial barriers in place for a club the size of Hull City, with the way the club is funded, to finish in the top half of the table. It’s almost impossible.

As for the sixteen teams who are on paper better than City, here goes; last season’s top six are pretty obviously far better than City, so I’ll ignore them. So ten more; Tottenham have obviously spent a fortune and could well make the Champions League. Man City, ditto, and having been very impressed with them so far, think they’ll definitely make the Champions League places this season. Sunderland have also spent a lot of money, and will do well when their team gels. Fulham have been longer established than us in this division, and have a manager who has got his team sorted. Most of their players would get in our side. Exactly the same is true for West Ham and Bolton.

Blackburn aren’t great, but still have more good players than us in my opinion. Stoke were our equals in many ways, but are bankrolled by a multi, multi millionaire. Their squad has developed so much more than ours that it’s quite depressing. I would put Portsmouth and Wigan on a par with ourselves probably. Wigan had an excellent squad this time last season, but it’s been chopped back significantly. Portsmouth have had similar problems, but I’d still say more of their players would get into our side than the other way around. Birmingham’s squad is pretty good as well. They have lots of experienced players who know their way around a Premier League game. So I’ve got Wolves and Burnley whose squads in my opinion genuinely lack the quality of ours.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we’re doomed, just an indication that our recruitment activity in the summer wasn’t earth shattering. Anyone can beat anyone on their day. However, it will be another fantastic achievement to stay up this season, and my original point was that because of this deficiency in quality, commitment and effort levels have to be on high for the whole team for the vast majority of the season - which was shown on Saturday and are sentiments I stand by. If we finish above 15th place Mike, I’ll doff my cap to you and admit I’ve been too negative, but I see that as a fair assessment of our standing on paper. Fortunately football is player on grass. Sorry that was a bit of an essay!

3) Will too much pressure be put on Jimmy Bullard or there again he is used to that? Is Bernard Mendy now out of the picture completely, from what i've have seen he is class when he applies himself.
TC: Good question. There’s real hope and expectation on Bullard’s shoulders, although the likes of Geo and Hunt have also done well so hopefully they can help him out a bit. I’m pretty sure he’s not been the ‘main man’ and talisman at a club before, so it will be interesting to see how he reacts. 1,500 people turning up at a reserves game in North Ferriby to see him play 45 minutes on a rainy Tuesday night shows how highly he is prized by the City fans. He seems like a confident guy, so I’m sure he can handle the pressure.

As for ‘Nard, he seems to be well out of favour. I love him to bits; he’s brilliant to watch in a really funny but frustrating way. He’s not played well for ages in fairness to Brown, and the manager can’t keep waiting for him to hit a rare purple patch. On his day, he’s a really effective winger who really makes things happen (BUT NEVER A RIGHT-BACK!!!!!). Unfortunately it’s not been his day for ages. I’d still keep him at the club though, if only for comedy value.

Dru asked….

1) As an American I want to see Altidore getting playing time, he seems to create chances when he plays. So therefore why is he not playing right now?
TC: I can appreciate your sentiment. It’s always good to see your countrymen doing well in foreign leagues, as happened over here in the 90s when the like of Paul Gascoigne and David Platt were playing in Italy. In truth Altidore hasn’t impressed in the games he’s had. He had a great start against Bolton, but struggled against Birmingham (admittedly in a poor team performance).

He’s probably not had a good run at it yet, but Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has the place in the side at the moment, and will probably stay there for the time being. Jozy’s only 19 remember, and is very new to the Premier League. We can all see he’s got potential, but there’s no need to rush him into the side at the moment. I’m confident he’ll get a run in the side later in the season, and he’ll do well when that happens. Let’s hope he gets some confidence playing in the US national side.

2. What happened to Stephen Hunt that he isn't getting shots on goal anymore?
TC: Hunt’s performances can’t be judged just on how many shots he has. He’s been very good this season, and is probably the first name on the team sheet at the moment. His delivery on Saturday was good, and he played one fantastic pass which Barmby might have scored from on another day. There are no problems with him.

3. Can someone break down Bullard for me and explain to me why a guy that gets injured ever time he tries to play was somehow worth 5Million Pounds???
TC: In fairness, he’s only had one injury. A player of Bullard’s class is worth more than 5 million really, but we got him for that price because Fulham were unsure about his injury. City took a gamble, and if we get him fit and playing, he’ll make a huge difference to the team.

It might not work out, but only time will tell. He looked good for the reserves, and as I said at the top of the blog, was clattered a couple of times and got straight back up, which is a good sign. Hopefully it will prove to be a masterstroke; we have a far better chance of staying up with him in the side.

Cheers fellas. Any more questions or opinions feel free to drop me a comment.

TC