please log in to view this image Hull owner Assem Allam: Critics 'can die as soon as they want' Hull owner Assem Allam has told fans "they can die as soon as they want" in response to protests about his plans to change the club's name. Allam, who took over in 2010, infuriated some supporters with his idea to rebrand the club Hull Tigers. The Hull fans have formed a campaign group called City Till We Die. But Allam told the Independent: "They can die as soon as they want, as long as they leave the club for the majority who just want to watch good football." The 74-year-old Egypt-born businessman, who moved to Hull in 1968, first announced in August the company name had changed from Hull City AFC to Hull City Tigers, ending a part of the Yorkshire club's name which has been in effect since their formation in 1904. Allam stated a Tigers brand would be more marketable, and considered the word "City" to be "lousy" and "common". A number of supporters protested during the game against Crystal Palace last week by unfurling a banner which read "We are Hull City". But the owner added: "How can they call themselves fans, these hooligans, this militant minority, when they disturb and distract the players while taking away the rights of others to watch the football, and of companies who have paid good money for advertising?" When Hull were relegated from the Premier League in 2010 they were thought to be approximately £35m in debt but Allam insists he will walk away from the club immediately if the criticism of his proposals continues. "I'm a simple man," he said. "Do they want me to stay? If it's, 'No thank you', fine, in 24 hours the club is for sale, I do not put in one more pound and hopefully things happen quickly." The owner has already offered to refund season ticket holders who are unhappy with the name changes.
And there are a few on here and elsewhere who slag of Tony ?? At least it can be said he has the club at heart and the mistakes he has made have been down to naivety rather than malice.
Best bit about yesterday was when Tony and Beard walked in front of the away section before the game on their way round to the directors box (which is on the opposite side of the stadium to the main entrance!!). He stopped to talk and for photos and we all sang his name, which he seemed to enjoy!
And as a Wet Spam Fan he bought us just because of his love for football. Give it a rest. Edit: Still take our Tony anyday over this muppet.
I'd like to hope we as a club mean a little bit more to him now than just a 'marketing device', but then again you might be right and it might be me that's being naive.
As a general observation club ownership is probably 50% business opportunity and 50% ego. With Tony that was probably true at the begining but I think the club has got into his blood, at least thats how I see it. I think the change has been brought about partly by his experiences of seeing how much the club means to the fans.
If we do get a new ground in Park Royal would there not be a case for a name change to Queens Park Royals? I'll get me coat.
He wouldn't be going to places like Doncaster if it was just marketing group him. He's missed F1 weekends to see us.
