Thanks for all the great comments and discussion regarding the Premier League Survival Guide at Hit Row Z - great to get into some debate with you guys. As it's Friday, the latest installment of the Guide is now live - this time looking at clubs who have decided to deploy attacking styles of play in the hope of maintaining their Premier League status. The link to the article is below, and it would be great to talk about whether you think this is an approach Hull can realistically take, who the signings you might need to deliver on it would be, or whether ultimately, you'd prefer to see Bruce prioritise being tight at the back and difficult to beat. http://hitrowz.com/2013/06/28/premier-league-survival-guide-part-3/ Ben
At the moment we haven't got any Premier League quality strikers, so I think you'll have to get back to us on this one.
Ben we got promotion because of our tight defence, we have just strengthened what was the best defence in the Championship with 2 more quality defenders, expect City to get plenty of 0-0's not 4-4's in the Prem.
Attack is the Best form of defence for any team and not just Hull City. In saying that i can see 4 away games where we may need to circle the wagons and park 2 buses in front of the goals.
Most certainly. If you look at how we approached games back in 2008/2009 Season, going into games with no fear and just going for it. It worked and we surprised many teams who obviously expected us to set up negatively. We changed our tactics and approach after Christmas and we struggled, so I believe that we should go into every match with intent and attacking desire. Though OLM is correct, we haven't made any signings that could provide that attacking flare yet so other than Aluko we're a bit short in that respect.
It's an interesting pattern actually. Newly promoted teams like Blackpool begin life in the league with no fear, they go on a fantastic run in the opening months of the season, and then slowly get found out. It's then a case of whether they can recapture that initial momentum, change it up tactically, or invest in reinforcements in January, to stop the rot. Does that tally with Hull's experience last time in the Premier League? How does everyone feel about Curtis Davies?
It does. We tried to invest in January and signed the infamous Jimmy Bullard for a Club recored £5million but he hardly ever played because he was injured all the time (lasted 30 odd minutes on his debut). We basically had the same side all Season and managed to scrape survival. I think Davies is a great signing, especially for £2.25million as their initial asking price was allegedly £3-£4million. Davies and Figueroa are adding to an already reliable and solid back line and when we finally get a GK, I'll be very optimistic about our ability to keep clean sheets.
We have the squad to attack for sure already. The strikers will follow. Remember that King only arrived in August and Cousin by the end of. We have done great summer business so far and the transfer window does not open until monday 1st july.....OFFICIALLY that is.
Sone Aluko most definitely as the squad is at the moment, though if we could bring in the likes of Charlie Austin and/or Gary Hooper and/or Odemwingie, there may be a change. Our 'ones to watch' this Season are most definitely Robbie Brady, James Chester and Sone Aluko.
I think Steve Bruce is working his magic in the transfer market to date. Curtis Davies is a great signing, already stacks of PL experience, great age and a bargain. Have to say his sound bites in the media have been impressive too. Maynor Figueroa is a great signing, maybe one of the best available on a free? Add into the mix Chester who has undoubted PL quality, the defence looks excellent. Keeper, not sure about McGregor, only because I haven't really seen much of him. He does seem highly regarded! Plus it's the first time in 2/3 seasons we haven't had a loan GK. Looking forward to having a settled number 1. Elmohamady - key signing today as he played really well for the first 3 quarters of the season, but a bit ineffective for the run in? However, a vital cog in the machine. Strikers and scoring goals has been a huge problem, so I am looking forward to see who Bruce brings in, hopefully some muscle, prowess and ability!!
Good run down of signings to date. If Davies can kick on this season he could yet have a strong PL career ahead of him - I remember when West Brom signed him from Luton for £3m and he was hailed as a future England CB. Anyone fancy bringing Darren Bent in?
I'd be happy with a very tight season where we rely on wins vs the likes of norwich, soton, stoke, cardiff, palace and then maybe go a little crazy in our second season. The way we started in our first season or the way Blackpool did never lasts.
No Darren Bent after what he said about us last time. I would look at Hooper, Austin and Odemwingie. I think Bruce has some tricks up his sleeve and will look abroad and at Manchester United youth academy.
I'm hoping we sign 3 strikers, in order of preference they would be: Odemwingie, Le Fondre and Carlton Cole as they are realistic and they have PL experience. I'd be happy with Hooper or Austin - but neither have PL experience and the price tag for either already puts me off. Better strikers are available for less (Odemwingie).