Bonkers branding move unites the footballing world in ridicule as Hull City AFC become Hull City Tigers Fan since the age of three, Paul Cockerton, says Assem Allam's decision shows why owners are out of touch with supporters Multi-millionaire Assem Allam has been so generous with his dosh in his adopted city of Hull you'd think he'd almost be revered as a god. The industrialist stepped in to save Hull City in 2010 as it teetered days away from administration after a reckless, failed attempt to stay in the Premier League, clearing debts of over £30m to keep East Yorkshire's finest (and only) professional club in business. Last year he pulled off an unexpected stroke of genius, handing Steve Bruce a chance to prove his many, mainly Sunderland-based critics wrong - and a decent enough transfer budget to lead a glorious charge back to the Premier League. And yet - as supporters should be wearing patronising fezes in tribute to the Egyptian-born philanthropist who's delivered only our second spell of top-flight football in 109 years - the talk is of demonstrations and boycotts. The reason? After weeks of denial that the owners were planning to tinker with the club's name - despite several signs and badges being amended - Mr Allam today declared Hull City AFC 'irrelevant' . Paul McShane Roaring with laughter: Hull City Tigers will play Premier League football this season Getty The plan - to change to 'Hull City Tigers' now, though his son and vice-chairman Ehab admits he'd prefer just 'Hull Tigers' - is to create a 'strong international brand'. Football fans around the world will instantly drop Barcelona, Arsenal or Chelsea for the Hull City Tigers because, hey, who doesn't like big cats? How to make any money from this flawless logic is not explained - and something even Manchester United have failed to crack given the spread of counterfeit shirts. The rest of the footballing world has been united in gleeful ridicule at the latest case of owners getting giddy - see also the Bluebirds of Cardiff City now dyed red. In Hull, opinion is split - mainly on whether boycotts of games or protests at them will be more effective. Sales of bed sheets and paint are going through the roof. A tiny proportion - around 5% if online fan polls are to be believed - are in favour of the name change, though no doubt the anger of many others will subside when the season begins and Sone Aluko and Robbie Brady tear Premier League defences to shreds. However, a handful of fans are insistent they're simply walking away from modern football altogether - that £50 seats in soulless stadiums supporting a club renamed to sound like they're playing American Football is not for them. It is Mr Allam's club, he can and will do what he likes, and it's hard to paint him as an ogre given the fortune he's lavished on the club - and rugby league side Hull Kingston Rovers and the University of Hull are greatly in his debt too. But he doesn't understand the things I care about when it comes to a football club - summed up to perfection by the late Sir Bobby Robson: "What is a club in any case? "Not the buildings or the directors or the people who are paid to represent it. Itâs not the television contracts, get-out clauses, marketing departments or executive boxes. "Itâs the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city. "Itâs a small boy clambering up stadium steps for the very first time, gripping his fatherâs hand, gawping at that hallowed stretch of turf beneath him and, without being able to do a thing about it, falling in love." And now we're not even the only football team whose name has no letters you can colour in. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/hull-tigers-name-change-footballing-2144731?
More piss-taking: http://www.thescratchingshed.com/2013/08/hull-city-tigers-stake-their-claim-for-the-tinpot-crown/?
I don't care about the other clubs laughing at us. I can take all that. Some of it is quite funny. Well for now anyway. We've had people being derrogatory towards us for 109 years so nowts going to change now. It's the club's motives which annoy me.
Agree, Im not bothered about other fans taking the piss out of us. Im annoyed at our owners taking the piss out of us and treating us wqith utter contempt.
No, we shan't. I started supporting Hull City Association Football Club when I was 6, sitting in the horrid seats of Boothferry Park and loved every flaming minute of it. This man wants to take that away from me, I'd rather support City in Division 3 with the tradition and heritage still there than cheer on the "New and improved for people 6000 miles away" Hull Tigers.
We know that, Tickles. Don't be a simp. This is about a name-change, as you are well aware. As another poster pointed out elsewhere - if the Allams are going to consult on the proposed badge-change, then why didn't they consult on the change from Hull City AFC?
stupid post... he cant take memories away from you. were you against the demolition of BP and moving to the KC? cos if you ask me, you have a chance to create some new memories.
I guess that they didnt figure that there were so many little Englanders living in this part of the country.
No I was not, because it was in the best interest of the fans and the football club. I went to BOTH the final games at Boothferry Park; the official one and the reserve game. Your name may be a delicious meal, but if you ask me, new memories can be created with Hull City A.F.C, not with the Hull Tigers. If you're not against it, fair enough, but don't dare try to call the opinions of traditionalists like my self stupid, as you're in a small minority and just like like a complete tit. P.S - Everything you've mentioned, e.g. moving from Boothferry to the KC, the owners told people the truth. With this name change, there's been nothing but lies.
You've used the term 'Little Ehglanders' several times now. Bearing in mind it's used as a pejorative term for those who wish to avoid entanglement with, say, Europe (i.e. UKIP), how does it apply to fans who are opposed to a name change of their club?
I'll offer the same reply to that comment that I gave to another poster. If somebody saved me from drowning I'd be grateful to them but wouldn't become submissive to their every word or action.
Sorry to jump on your board guys but just wanted to show solidarity with you. Petition signed too. Good luck fighting this to all Hull City AFC fans. From a Swansea City AFC fan.
Thanks mate. Nice to see fans of other clubs showing their support over this. A bad thing for football as well as the club.
