http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/ en Copyright 2009 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:19:01 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wow, what a day, with a huge win for the Tigers coming at the end of another tumultuous week. Late winning goals are always special, but particularly when they come against Stoke, a horrible club that I detest. The sight of their fans trudging out of the KC with two minutes to go with live long in my heart. Take that Pulis! I’m really pleased for Phil Brown, who must have had a nightmarish week. His ally Paul Duffen gone, the Tigers boss faced some heart-to-heart meetings with returning Tigers chairman Adam Pearson, who would only assure him that he would take charge of Sunday’s game at Stoke, suggesting the axe was about to drop. Brownie desperately needed a result, and got one thanks to Vennegoor of Hesselink’s injury-time winner. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/11/big_win_for_brown.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/11/big_win_for_brown.php Jimmy Bullard Jozy Altidore Phil Brown Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:19:01 +0000 Phil Brown’s plight became even more desperate on Saturday thanks to referee Mike Jones, who kindly decided that Burnley should get the three points in the Turf Moor clash. Can I just say now, I hate blaming referees for Hull City losing games. It is pathetically lazy, sloppy way to excuse bad performances. I can only remember three occasions when I genuinely thought the referee ‘robbed’ the Tigers of points, the first in 2000 (I think) when Uriah Rennie awarded a last-minute winner to Torquay after Eifion Williams had kicked the ball out of Paul Musselwhite’s hands. The second was away to Scunny in I think 2003, when Steve Mclean was awarded a ridiculous non- penalty. The third occurred on Saturday, as Mike Jones served up a performance of ineptitude far scarier than anything seen on the streets of Burnley on Halloween night. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/11/reffing_hell.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/11/reffing_hell.php Geovanni Hull City Phil Brown Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:06:53 +0000 Well, what a few days for Hull City fans. From a lacklustre performance in a shocking game of football, to revelations about the lateness of everyone’s favourite Tigers twitterer, leading to reports of the club facing financial troubles, Paul Duffen coming down with the flu just as everyone wanted an interview with him, and eventually the shock rumours that the Tigers chairman, and or manager may have left the club to be replaced with fan’s hero Adam Pearson.... Phew, let’s go through it chronologically. It’s not often I agree with Phil Thompson, but his slating of Saturday’s game against Portsmouth was spot on. It was shocking stuff, as two very poor sides failed to string more than three passes together. I truly pity anyone who went of their way to watch that encounter, and the fans showed their first genuine show of dissent against Tigers boss Phil Brown, treating him to renditions of “you don’t know what you’re doing.” I am an advocate of keeping Brown in the job, and I still think he can keep us up, but performances have to be better than Saturday’s effort, starting with a very winnable, although still tricky trip to the fun loving utopia of Burnley http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/eastyorkshirenders.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/eastyorkshirenders.php Adam Pearson Jozy Altidore Paul Duffen Phil Brown Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:13:14 +0000 First off, sorry guys for being a bit slow with this week’s blog. A mixture of depression over a woeful performance at Fulham, and work meant I’ve struggled to get half an hour to collect my thoughts. At least writing it this late in the week gives me a chance to look forward to a huge game at the weekend against Portsmouth, because let’s face it – there was very little to talk about regarding Monday night’s game. I feel sorry for those of you who witnessed your first Hull City game of the season on Monday. That really wasn’t reminiscent of how City have played for most of the season. While we’ve been disappointing overall, the Tigers hadn’t yet sunk to the depths on the game at Craven Cottage, which saw a horribly negative City side go through the motions without even having a shot on target. It was a truly depressing performance, reminiscent of poor displays away to West Ham, Wigan and Everton last season, where the hosts were allowed to stroll to an easy victory without really breaking a sweat. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/bouncebackability.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/bouncebackability.php Hull City Jimmy Bullard Phil Brown Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:30:27 +0000 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 . . . . http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/bullards_returntc_qa_3.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/bullards_returntc_qa_3.php Hull City Jimmy Bullard Jozy Altidore Phil Brown Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:15:02 +0000 The sigh of relief was palpable at around 4.55pm at the KC Stadium on Saturday. A much-needed win was Hull City’s, after a battling performance giving the home side a 2-1 win against Wigan. The biggest sigh surely came from Phil Brown. The Tigers boss has received more than his fair share of criticism in recent weeks, with a section of the City support calling for the manager’s head. Paul Duffen publicly backed the manager, before questioning the sanity of Hull City’s fans. Good PR Mr Duffen. So, a tumultuous week for the Tigers manager. But after delighting the national media with tales of rescuing a potential suicide victim, Brownie took a risk of his own, selecting another new captain in Nick Barmby, and playing Kamil Zayatte in a midfield holding role. The new formation worked well, and Zayatte offered both protection to the back four, and a physical presence in both penalty areas, as well as crafting the winning goal for the excellent Geovanni. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/latics_levity.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/latics_levity.php Geovanni Hull City Phil Brown Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:42:57 +0000 How many more games should Brown get to prove himself after failing to win Wolves or BC who are meant to be part of our mini league? TC: A writer for the local newspaper this week claimed that Brown should remain manager of City even if we go down, which I thought was interesting. I think by the end of November we’ll have a good idea whether Brown can take this team on into the New Year with a reasonable chance of staying up. That would give him six matches to show an improvement in performances and results, against teams we can expect to be picking up points from. I thought the draw against Wolves was a good result in fairness, but the shocking performance against Birmingham really grew opposition to Brown’s tenure as manager. If the performances show an improvement, I think Brown will keep his job, as the Chairman seems to be very much behind Brownie.]]> http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/tcs_qa_2.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/10/tcs_qa_2.php Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:44:26 +0000 A full-blown relegation battle is starting to look ever more on the cards, as City were hammered 6-1 at Anfield on Saturday. An equaliser from Geovanni provided only temporary joy for the 3,000 strong away following, who watched helpless as their side disintegrated in the second half, with the home side almost scoring at will. But in truth, this really wasn’t that bad a city performance. Occasionally shambolic defending overshadowed some good attacking play, and City looked more of a threat going forward than they have for some weeks. Geo in particular looked eager for the ball, and capped a good display with a cracking volley to equalise. The real key to the game came with the third goal, scored by Torres just after half, and the third consecutive away game in which City have conceded a sloppy goal minutes after the re-start. The second goal also had a whiff of ‘seen it all before’ about it. Liam Cooper stepped up to play offside, and Ibrahima Sonko dropped back, playing the brilliant Fernando Torres on-side for simple finish. This naivety in defence needs to be eradicated, and quickly, if the Tigers are to have any chance of survival. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/defensive_desperation.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/defensive_desperation.php Fernando Torres Geovanni Hull City Phil Brown Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:52:33 +0000 TC: I see what you mean, but I think seasons should be viewed separately where possible. I think we should judge him on this season’s games, which apart from Saturday against Birmingham, had been reasonable in my opinion.]]> http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/tcs_qa.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/tcs_qa.php Hull City Paul Duffen Phil Brown Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:54:43 +0000 Boos filled the air as Phil Dowd signalled the end of another disappointing showing from Hull City. Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Birmingham sent shock-waves around East Yorkshire, and gave new ammunition to a vocal minority of anti-Brown activists. While the dissenting voices are surely premature, their sentiments are starting to have an air of reason. Brown's men started slowly, and never really found their rhythm at any stage of what was in reality a very winnable game. Like the game against Bolton, this game was one from the mini league of teams who are likely to be in the relegation mix-up at the end of the season. That City seemed to lack a real desire, more than a lack of quality, is a real cause for concern. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/kc_blues.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/kc_blues.php Hull City Phil Brown Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:49:20 +0000 A 4-1 defeat always looks bad, but it doesn’t always tell the whole story of Hull City’s game at Sunderland. City were in this contest for much of the game, make no mistake. A ridiculous handball from Craig Fagan gave the home side an early goal they hadn’t deserved, but that aside the first half action was enterprising and exuberant from City, with a deserved equaliser coming from Zayatte’s head just before half time. But then what many feared might happen, happened. The back four looked shaky on paper, but had put in a solid shift in the first period. They were mercilessly ripped apart by the home side in the second 45 minutes, and most worryingly in a variety of ways. Three goals came from a worrying variety of different outlets. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/the_case_for_the_defence.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/the_case_for_the_defence.php Hull City Michael Turner Phil Brown Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:58:49 +0000 Big Ben struck five on Tuesday as Sky desperately tried to rack up some faux-drama at the end of another dreary deadline day. Hull City were one of the more proactive teams as the deadline neared, drafting in another centre half in the shape of Ibrahima Sonko. A further signing came on Thursday however, with the free agent Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink deciding to head for East Yorkshire, a move that appears to have placated a section of fans upset at Michael Turner's sale. City fans seemed reasonably satisfied with both messers Brown and Duffen's work in the window until last Sunday, when Turner moved to Sunderland. The transfer prompted a surprisingly hostile reaction from a section of City's fans, some of whom questioned whether Turner was sold as a matter of necessity and whether Brown, and particularly Duffen, were the right men to be in charge at all. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/window_pain.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/09/window_pain.php Michael Turner Paul Duffen Phil Brown Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:59:05 +0000 The end of the transfer window looms large on Tuesday after a very decent point for City at Wolverhampton Wanders on Saturday. The Tigers started brilliantly, constructing a well-worked move for Geovanni to head home after just three minutes. But then, as so often seems to happen, we sat back and allowed Wolves to get back into the game. A threat was carried on the break for much of the first half, but it gradually fizzled out. The second was a tortuous affair for anyone of black and amber persuasion, with a lifeless City side offering very little going forward. A terrific display from Turner rescued a valuable point. So what to make of a largely disappointing performance? There have to be lots of positives; gaining points without playing well is usually a decent sign (as long as there aren’t too many poor performances of course). http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/08/window_worries.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/08/window_worries.php Hull City Michael Turner Phil Brown Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:36:17 +0000 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. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/08/a_caleb_conundrum.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/08/a_caleb_conundrum.php Caleb Folan Hull City Jozy Altidore Kamel Ghilas Phil Brown Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:21:25 +0000 Outclassed, hammered, embarrassed. A few of the descriptions assigned to City’s 5-1 home defeat on Wednesday. While the result was obviously disappointing, it must also be put in some form of context. Tottenham’s starting XI on Wednesday cost around £90 million to assemble, whereas the Tigers, made up of lower league British players and unproven foreigners, boasted a side that cost just £15 million. This isn’t excusing a poor and at times witless performance, just a statement of fact. The Tigers have to be at 100% commitment and at top form to compete at Premier League level. They weren’t on Wednesday, ripped apart in the first 15 minutes of the game after trying to match Spurs with a 4-4-2 formation. This created an exciting, open start to the game, but City’s lack of quality was shown on a grand scale. http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/08/will_city_be_spurred_on.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/hullcity/archives/2009/08/will_city_be_spurred_on.php Hull City Jozy Altidore Phil Brown Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:20:32 +0000