please log in to view this image Hull City legend Stuart Elliott believes the club are in the fight of their lives to stay in the Premier League, but has faith that manager Mike Phelan can keep the Tigers in the top flight. Elliott may have left the KC Stadium eight years ago, but the former Northern Ireland star still has a great deal of affection for the club and the fans and continues to keep a close eye on what's happening with City on and off the field. Voted the club's second best signing this century by Hull Daily Mail readers, Elliott was an inspirational figure when the Tigers surged from League Two to the Championship from 2003 to 2005 under Peter Taylor. He never played in the Premier League but is in no doubt that is where Hull ought to be. Losing 3-0 to fellow strugglers Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday did not help the cause, leaving Hull in the relegation zone with almost a third of the campaign played. Belfast man Elliott says it will take a mighty big effort for Hull to survive. He insists, however, that former Manchester United coach Phelan is a good man to have at the helm right now. "Watching Hull City play in the Premier League is absolutely fantastic," says Elliott. "In my time at the club we reached the Championship so for Hull to be in the top flight gives me a great deal of joy because I still have connections there and I loved the relationship I had with the fans. please log in to view this image "What is massively important for everyone at the club is to stay in the Premier League because having that status is not just big for the football club, it is great for the fans, the city and everyone in it. "Everyone wants to be in the promised land and in football terms in England, that's what the Premier League is. "I do think Hull are up against it this season and if we are being honest the club doesn't have one of the strongest squads in the Premier League. "The key factor will be home games. The team has to deliver results at home and with the crowd behind them I am really hopeful they can do that. Having a strong record at home and being able to pick up points here and there on their travels, especially against teams around them, can make the difference. please log in to view this image "I really hope Hull do stay up because I think it is getting harder and harder to win promotion back to the top flight once you go out of it," adds Elliott, who as well as being an evangelical minister in Northern Ireland helps his wife Laura-Lee run the country's first premium chocolate and dessert cafe. Elliott's take on manager Phelan, who replaced Steve Bruce in the summer, is an interesting one. So too his view on the ownership situation at the KCOM stadium where suggestions remain that the Allam family are trying to sell the club. "I think Mike Phelan has done a brilliant job because he has had one hand tied behind his back with all the shenanigans going on at the club," stated Elliott. "I know there have been protests about the owners and lots of talk about takeovers. I just hope everything can get resolved for the good of the club and the fans. They deserve that. "I'd like to see everyone pulling together because this is such a crucial season for Hull and when you have that unity it helps the manager and the players. "Prior to Mike, I thought Steve Bruce did a great job. I had a lot of time for him. He seemed to get the best out of the players. I feel Mike Phelan can do that too. please log in to view this image "He has learned from the best having worked under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and his experience is going to be crucial in the months ahead. "I'll be watching and hoping that Hull climb the table. In English football the Christmas period is always a vital time because the games come thick and fast. If the team can get some momentum going into that period and do well then they could approach the new year with real optimism." At Hull, Elliott, who has two children Nathan (18) and Hannah (13), was well known for his Christian beliefs. The 38-year-old admits there can be times when he misses the thrill of scoring a goal, but says he has never been happier than he is now teaching the Word of God. "I am an Evangelist and speak at different churches all over the country," says Elliott proudly. please log in to view this image "I'm ordained as a pastor and passionate about it. I'm really contented and have never been happier in my life. People ask me if I miss the game and I do miss the thrill of being out on the pitch and scoring goals, but at the same time what I'm doing now is really fulfilling for me." http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/hull...555-detail/story.html?891#UcyklUiuiqeYCq2o.99
a couple of them were discussing house moves this afty , both i expect to be gone early Jan . . . can't see the pope holding this shambles together , this needs divine intervention .
