Cause for optimism on Humberside as Hull City begin to find their feet

The air of gloom over Hull City appears to be lifting with developments both on and off the pitch pointing towards brighter times ahead.

Hull managed to pull off just their third win of the campaign before the international break and they go into their next fixture against Birmingham City with renewed hope.

As key players have returned from injury, it’s been no coincidence that City’s performance levels have improved despite arguably not picking up results they have merited. With George Honeyman coming back in alongside Greg Docherty in the centre of midfield, the Tigers look a different animal and more akin to what fans were treated to last season.

Skipper Richie Smallwood has been hugely influential in ensuring that his side scrapped for every ball and set the tone for what is needed to stay up this season.

Youngster Jacob Greaves continues to improve also at the heart of the defence and with Manchester United loanee Di’Shon Bernard starting to find greater consistency there is optimism that City can find their way out of the relegation zone following the international break.

Despite the break coming at an unwelcome time once again with City recording another win, Hull manager Grant McCann has been pleased with his side’s recent improvements.

“It’s been a good two weeks, to be fair. We’re coming off the back of two very good performances at West Brom and Barnsley. Obviously, we only got three points from the two games, but it’s given us something to work on and digest. We know that when we’re defensively sound, and the structure of the team is good, we’re organised, and we’re hard to beat.

“We’ve got players in this team that can go and hurt others at the top end of the pitch, and maybe we’ve been guilty a little bit this season and leaving ourselves exposed.”

Goals from George Honeyman and Keane Lewis-Potter put Barnsley to the sword at Oakwell, and on another day, City could have gone away more comfortable winners given the number of opportunities they created.

The return of Honeyman has provided City with a boost following injury, now he has gotten up to speed and match fit. Grant McCann’s side is certainly starting to see the benefits of what he brings in the centre of midfield.

“For us to have George Honeyman available is massive for us. Over the last two games, I think he’s shown people what he’s capable of. The first week that he came back, he played Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday; it was a tough week for him. But that was really, really beneficial for him that week to get those minutes in his legs.

“But I think over the last two games you’ve seen George come to the fore. We see it every single day in training and he’s got that edge back. It’s never easy when you’re injured and you find you need an operation on your ankle but George is starting to get back to a place where we know he can get to.”

Despite Keane Lewis-Potter registering three goals, it has been clear in City’s opening 17 games that he possesses the potency to be a match-winner in the Championship.

The 20-year-old has been at the heart of Hull’s forward play, scoring goals in all three of their wins this campaign and contributing three assists.

Although some fans might expect more from the youngster, McCann feels that the forward’s performance levels have warranted more goals and remained adamant they will come if he continues to work at his game.

“Keane’s performances have been of a high level all season. Forward players are always going to be judged on how many goals they’ve got but we’re more concerned and interested in how many chances he’s getting in games.

“If you look over the 16/17 games that we’ve played so far, Keane’s having three, four or five chances a game so that that tells me that he’s in the right places and getting into areas where he can affect the game.

“And that’s most important for a young player, the more he gets into those positions, the more opportunities you’re going to get and the more chance he’s going to score so. We’re pleased with his performances and if he asked himself; yes, he’ll want more goals, of course, he will, but the more he gets in there, the goals will come”

With the potential takeover of Turkish businessman and media owner Acun Ilıcalı set to be concluded in the coming weeks having entered into a period of due diligence with the Allam Family, the club finally looks to be sold after being put up for sale in 2014.

It’s not been an easy period with the ownership and sections of the fan base but if Hull City are to retain Championship status, all hands are needed on deck and pulling in the right direction.

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