PR: Birmingham vs Hull City

2022 has been a different year for Hull City fans.

Two owners, three permanent managers (plus one interim) and signings from across the globe. This time in 2021 talks of a new owner had been rumbling on for months with many fans no longer knowing who to believe. To sum up the last 12 months properly, I need a book and paying a considerable sum of money.

The Allam era came to a close just days into the new year and Dr Allam has sadly since passed. It was the most successful period of time for any Hull City owner; saving the club from extinction, through to an FA Cup final and Europa League football with every other controversy in between. The new leader, Acun Ilıcalı, offered new hope and love to a neglected support. Although he was questioned by many early on after the shock sacking of Grant McCann. McCann had only just beaten 2nd and 3rd in the league with the team showing some good performances.

Looking back at the reign of Shota Arveladze reminds me of a slightly less exciting Slutsky. Slutsky’s record was far worse. Both head coaches were and are nice people but lacked the leadership to achieve the ambitions of the club at that moment in time. Only nine victories for the Georgian has since seen Liam Rosenior take charge, after a short prelude from club legend Andy Dawson. A new brand of football has followed the former City right back. The short passing game does not suit all the available players in the squad, which sometimes has consequences as Matt Ingram found out against Blackpool on Boxing Day.

A great number of signings have been made and yet another large turnover of players is expected. Rosenior will hope to implement his style of football sooner rather than later. Positives so far have seen an attractive passing game and more solidity in defence. The attack seems quiet and lacks a cutting edge. It will be hard to judge who or what is needed on the wish list for January. M’Hand and Traore both are yet to be seen, they could be the creative difference in midfield. Tetteh is still injured and was forming a promising partnership up front with Estupiñán. Pelkas is once again in the physio room. The next few months will certainly be following suit as a “different” period of time.

The Birmingham game at the MKM earlier in the year was disappointing and was as farcical as the goalposts being the wrong size. There has been some improvement but not enough to suggest a Tigers victory at the bookies. The Blues played well back in October but are yet to be consistent this season. Deeney is the obvious threat but Hannibal in midfield performed well with some great tenacity. Rosenior’s side will have to step up in performance to get a victory at St. Andrews.

Signing of 2022: Regan Slater

Player of 2022: Jacob Greaves

Predicted Starting XI vs Birmingham City:
Ingram; Christie, A.Jones, McLoughlin; Greaves; Slater, Seri, Woods, Longman; Tufan, Estupiñán.

Score Prediction: 0-0

Simon Bromwich