Hull manager Steve Bruce was sporting in defeat:
"Southampton were going to be everybody's whipping boys this season apparently, but they've bought well and the manager needs a pat on the back.
"Arguably they're as good as they were last year. It looks as if what they've let go has been replaced with real quality.
"Southampton are a very good side and it's no fluke that they're at the top end of the division."
As always, Bruce was incredibly honest and generous in his praise. Not that Saints didn't deserve every word, but 99 managers out of 100 wouldn't have admitted anything to the extent he did. He's one genuine fair minded sportsman.

) - think Hull deserve bigger things, but, like us, they're destined always to be a "small club" in the eyes of the media. Let's hope we can change those small minds!!