I was sat in N2 last night, and after NJ goal it seemed that everyone bar McGregor headed towards the corner where the goal celebrations were taking place, it really felt that the team were a tight unit, even more pleasing to see was McShane and Bruce junior walking with arms around eachother (I think that definatley puts to bed any ill feeling, if indeed there was any in the first place, there may have been after the social media burst! Someone said recently that a happy McShane is a happy Hull City, maybe, maybe not, but although last nights performance wasn't brilliant, the work ethic of the team was huge. Is it McShane influence, Phelans influence or a bit of everything, who cares.........so long as we show the same commitment and determination for the remaining season we WILL finish in our highest position.
I really liked Phelan's "performance" on the touchline last night; constantly cajoling and encouraging players, having a laugh, putting an arm round them and so on. Certainly gave the impression of a happy and confident camp.
I noticed Jelavic putting his arms round N'Doye, giving him a hug and saying something just before kick off.
I was in N2 as well and the celebration was really good to see. Jelavic appreciates a good strike partner and you could see it last night.
I think Dawson and Davies want to occupy the same space on the pitch so playing them both doesn't work. Davies seems to play best with Chester and no Dawson.
I think there's a similar article in the HDM, but I've no wish to face all their fookin pop-ups.... http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/english/2015/0211/679422-mcshane-hails-phelans-impact-at-hull/?
Yes, he's been dropped for the last two games & morale appears to have improved & performances have improved since then. Just another question, is the morale better and performances better since Ince was loaned to Derby? I'll answer my question myself. Yes, he was loaned out prior to the last two games & morale appears to have improved & performances have improved since then. Do the perceived improvement in morale or improvement in the team's performances have anything what-so-ever to do with Davies being dropped or Ince being loaned out?
Steve Archibalds quote always comes in handy for these threads.. Spurs striker Steve Archibald famously said, "team spirit is an illusion glimpsed in the aftermath of victory". I like this from Flintoff anarl, on been good mates with Harmison The next tour that Flintoff and Harmison went on was an 'A' tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe in 1998, months after Flintoff's premature promotion to the senior team. "That was when Bob [Robert Key] joined our group," said Flintoff. "It's a funny thing - when you're losing, as we were back then, it's labelled a clique. When you're winning, as we are now, it's seen as positive."
I don't think it's easy judging why team spirit is better - unless you are in the dressing room - other than winning makes players and staff happy and losing means that you dwell on poor play, errors, etc. If you think that relegation will be 3 from 8 clubs then we are now 3rd in the relegation mini league and after tonight may be 4th but unlikely to be 5th. After the next round of games in the weekend after next we could be second with confidence or in trouble again. The league looks like it's split into 3 - top 7 middle 5 and bottom 8. If we do well and join the middle 5 by the end of the season we could really improve our squad in the summer - like we did last summer! There must be every incentive given the TV deal just announced. Last summer was strange because we really fell away towards the end of last season but getting to the FA Cup Final and Europa League seemed to make it forgiveable.
theres nothing like a great point at the champions followed by 3 at home to a major relegation rival to improve morale !!!
When Phelan first came, he said a few home truths about the players and banged some heads together before drawing a fresh line (think Humberside reported this).
Anyone notice the Bruce (Steve) flick on down the line for N'Doye to run on to when the ball was heading for a throw.......even made N'Doye laugh
Well N'Doye still has a way to go before he can match Gedo's instant impact of 5 in 5.. Although I suspect he'll net a few with Jela.. Dare I make a comparison with the Leeds Smith-Viduka partnership..? Having a top striker is one thing, having 2 working well together is a win-win as the Americans love to quip..
Thought funniest moment was, when cissokho ( I think it was) was challenged, he screamed like a girl, then proceeded to roll around as if he'd been shot. Cue Elmo, he rushed up, concerned look on his face, rubbed the play actors ankle and pulled him up. He then got s**t from East stand every time he touched the ball!
