Hey all, I haven't really contributed much in the last year as I've started Uni and so I've been spending my time drinking, partying and just generally bumming about in Hull (Not exactly the worlds most enticing city but the Uni is pretty good and the people are great). I was just wondering what the prevailing feel was going into this season amongst you lot. I have had a browse on recent threads but not really come up with much. Personally I can see it being a better go at the championship than 2 seasons ago as we now have a manager who has 18 months of experience, 12 of those in the premier league and a squad that, though it is ageing, is full of experience, with at least a couple of youth players coming through to supplement them. I can see us finishing second behind Newcastle, who have the budget, players and manager to absolutely dominate this league as they did the last time they were relegated. So, sorry for the long absence, have things changed much while I was away? and what's everyone thinking for the season to come?
Hi colk, well we appear to have lost a few posters, Superman and Munky to name but two. I don't really know why Supers left permanantly but I think I may have contributed to Munky leaving as we fell out big time on more than one occasion. I can't say I'm overly confident about the upcoming campaign, as you mentioned in your OP we have an aging squad and I'm not sure whether most of them will be up for another slog in this Godforsaken division. Once again we haven't really addressed the need for another decent CB and striker, thus far anyway. I'm also rather concerned that we still haven't appointed an experienced CEO, Theresa May has appointed a whole bloody cabinet in just over a week FFS ! In any event it's going to be a long hard slog and we desperately need to get off to a good start, here's hoping. OTBC
He's not as stupid as he looks in fact he's highly intelligent , I know he drops the odd clanger but I like him
He's a walking disaster as Foreign Secretary, he brings ridicule upon us from all over the world! I agree he's not stupid, that makes his actions all the worse!
I'm somewhere in the middle. I agree with KIO that we DESPERATELY need to add a decent CB to our ranks if we're not going to concede a hatful of goals. The main issue for me is that AN means what he says about the performances some of the ex youth team have been putting in the friendlies and I hope to see some of them on the bench at least - Maddison in particular seems to be doing well. I should be at the Coventry game, so I'll add some comments next Wed!!
Now why doesn´t that surprise me . He´s already a laughing stock in Britain, soon to be a laughing stock in Europe and the rest of the world, Britain´s answer to Donald Trump. Doesn´t actually say much for Theresa May´s judgement either, although I can see a certain devíousness behind the appointment, because when the clown really puts his foot in it, which he inevitably will at some point, she may have no option but to sack him. Certainly if that´s the face of Britain they want to present outwardly to the rest of Europe and the world, I can´t imagine there will be many regrets, outside of Britain, at the Brexit decision.
Where in Hull are you holed up? The lawns? Is spiders still going? How about suday afternoon at the Piper? As for the season, i am optomistic to an extent. If we keep Klose and get in a good striker (Both Britt or McCormack would do) Then I think we can defintely challenge top two. I'd rather Bass was moved on, but Klose, Martin, bennett, Bass and Turner is a good set of CB's. Olsson and Pinto will be great at this level and in Toffolo, Whittaker and Martin we have some really good backup. We have 3 keepers, all of whom I think are acceptable for this level, though I hope that McGoven will be an upgrade, I'm not sure he will be, his pedigree beyond an eye catching performance or two at the euros is not stella! Midfield we are well stocked and they are a very good bunch for the 2nd tier. Canos I think will be a good signing and I think at least one murphy will get a good amount of game time and I'm hopeful will excel. The second striker/advanced midfielder role we have an embarassment of riches, Naismith, Wes and Maddison are all great options. Jerome is capable up front in this league but we are obviously trying to reinforce and again at least one more. I think we will and who that is will be key to whether we can stay the course for top 2 or playoffs. Bah!
I was at Needler hall, not exactly the ritz but I enjoyed being in a smaller halls set up than what the Lawns offered. Spiders is indeed still going and still the cheapest and best night in Hull. Haven't hit up piper yet but I'm going to be living much closer this year. I'm just down the road from the New Adelphi Club which is great for new live music. I pretty much agree with you on everything there. I'd definitely like the CB issue addressed now rather than if we manage to get back up, Bassong simply doesn't cut it in the Prem and Martin is no more than cover. Klose is the only CB I'd feel confident going into a new Premier League season with, so if we could sort that now it'd obviously improve our chances of promotion and would set us in better stead for survival. Striker for me though is the most important area. If we could get one fairly established forward and one promising forward I'd be very happy but we don't live in a perfect world. Of the options so far only Asombalonga really interests me. I'm sure McCormack could score 20 goals for us but it's a very short term solution to our clear lack of quality attacking options.
I'm actually thinking the oposite on the CB's. Whilst I would like rid of Bass, he can still do a job at this level, I think the 5 we have means we are well stocked. The only way we get someone who will have a really good chance of improving us and playing well in the PL if we return, is if we get back there. I honestly think at champ level that any combo of our 4 main CB's is OK at this level, any combo of Klose and the other 3 is going to be very good. So I don't see it as a priority. If we could have signed Grant Hanley it would have been good now. But is he really a PL standard CB? He could be one day. But as no PL clubs came knocking how does he represent the level of upgrade we may need in 12 months? I'd take McCormack but with a ruthless attitude. If he cuts the mustard to the extent that we think he could do well in the PL then obviously keep him. If he fires us there but we don't think he will cope then sell him to another champ club. Like us I'm sure a relegated side will be willing to offer the better part of his transfer fee for what will hopefully be a 20+ goal machine even with another year on the clock. Bah!
Fair point about the CBs, I agree they are all good enough for this level. I just worry of Bass's commitment as I do every season and would rather get him moved on now so we can spend a whole year bedding in a new CB who we hope could pull his weight in the Prem. I guess this is all just perfect world thinking from me.
I feel a little bit nervous A little the bit hungry A little bit horny. I feel tired all the time because of work. How about you Colk?
Your pessimism always brings a smile to my face KIO and love the comment about Theresa May. But I would urge you to see how the campaign starts before writing us off as I think we genuinely have a decent side / squad and if we can hold on to Brady, Klose with the introduction of Canos, Naismith coming good and others who had been largely forgotten coming in (not forgetting the youth) oh and that Jerome has found out where the net is again, it isn't looking too bad for me. The squad is a little older, but maybe a little wiser too.
And I've got a feeling AN is wiser too and will be picking players on how they're performing in training etc, rather than depending on who the opposition is!!!
First of all, welcome back to Colk! My wife was at Hull Uni way back when - she asys the water used to freeze in the kettle during winter nights! This is a good subject for debate, Braveheart. Some feel we should field a consistent team week after week and others feel that there should be tactical adjustments from match to match, which also allow for squad rotation during a long season. IMO, there are signifigent differences between playing at home or away, for instance, or between playing a contender or a struggling team. One problem can be injuries, as we saw with Tettey and Klose last season, and some rotation can help to minimise that. On the other hand, playing partnerships are fostered through matchplay from week to week and this can be especially important in defence and midfield. AN's job is top get the balance right.
You've fueled the main cause of friction there Rick, all by yourself! Some want a consistent team selected while others want tactical changes from match to match dependent on the opposition! In other words, whatever AN does, he will have his knockers!
