Hull City’s rise from the Championship to the Premier League this season has been a remarkable one, especially considering the politics surrounding the club at the moment and their potential name change. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be harming their survival chances as they continue to impress this campaign with some eye-catching displays.
Hull were effective and knew how to grind out results in what is a very competitive division in the Championship. With Steve Bruce at the helm, it was hardly surprising. The former Manchester United centre-back isn’t known for playing pretty football, with his sides more focussed on the organisational aspects of the game, making them incredibly tough to break down. Hull were exactly that in the Championship, winning most games 1-0, especially at home. Hanging onto narrow leads became their forte.
This season however, in the Premier League, we’ve seen a more adventurous Tigers side with decent technical ability, pace and slick passing, added in with their familiar Steve Bruce grit and steel. All this combined makes for a team that’s not just hard to score against, but also one that offers a real threat in the attacking third; something they definitely lacked in the Championship.
The additions of Huddlestone, Livermore, Meyler, Jelavic and Long, amongst a few others, have galvanised the squad. Bruce’s recruitment has been shrewd and, more importantly, provided the team with a solid base moving forward. They’ve got players in who are a good age and could potentially stay at the club for years to come.
This is the same Hull City that were one of the favourites for relegation prior to the start of the season, the same Steve Bruce who is considered by many as a tactically inept plonker, and the same club who have been Premier League whipping boys in the past.
Hull City and Steve Bruce are working extremely well together and with the club looking a certainty for survival this season, things could be on the up. That is, of course, if the owner Assem Allam remains onboard and continues to provide Bruce with the funds to take the Tigers to the next level; something Steve Bruce hasn’t failed with so far.
