Hull City 2016-17 season preview – Tigers face an uphill battle

Hull City 2016-17 season preview – Tigers face an uphill battle

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Everything that could have gone wrong for Hull City this preseason has. There has been a failed takeover, the resignation of manager Steve Bruce, injuries to key players, a high profile departure and more fan unrest against the owners.

It seems an age ago that Hull won promotion to the Premier League, for only the third time in their history, against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley. All of the joy of the Playoff final win has long gone. There may have never been a team promoted to the top flight with such odds against it. A huge task awaits Hull to avoid another agonising relegation battle.

Off-season recruitment

Quite simply there has not been any of note. Only two players have joined the club, Jonathan Edwards and Will Mannion, with both unlikely to feature in the first team squad. Instead numerous players, such as Wales hero Hal Robson-Kanu, have been linked with a move but without a manager and no plan from the owners, Hull have failed to land their targets.

Nick Powell, who was at the club last year on loan, joined Championship side Wolves despite an offer from Hull while Mohamed Diame moved to Newcastle United rather than staying in the Premier League with City. In short, the off-season has been shambolic.

Strengths

Despite Diame’s departure there is still the nucleus of a strong side at Hull. Many were part of the team that played in the Premier League two years ago. The likes of Andy Robertson and Jake Livermore have improved as players since then, shining in the Championship last year. Even with all the goings on at the club, the playing squad, led by captain and experienced defender Michael Dawson, remain united.

Hull’s top scorer last season Abel Hernandez will once again be crucial. Linked with a move to Aston Villa, the Uruguayan forward has found his feet in English football and has looked good during the pre-season when little else has.


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Weaknesses

The depth of the first-team squad is a massive concern going into the new season. Only 12 senior players were available for the club’s final pre-season friendly against Torino. Hull will go into the campaign without their first choice goalkeeper and several key players including full-back Moses Odubajo who performed so well last year.

No permanent manager at the helm is another glaring issue. Mike Phelan, who for so long was Alex Ferguson’s number two at Manchester United, will be in charge for the opener against Leicester City. He undoubtedly has the experience and the backing of the senior players to succeed but has no history of being the main man.

Should a new manager be appointed it will take yet more time for the team be settled and assured ahead of an seemingly inevitable relegation dogfight.

Key Player – Robert Snodgrass

The Scottish international had a nightmare start to his Hull career. Injured after 20 minutes on his debut, Snodgrass missed the next 15 months. On his return in December he instantly made an impact. With Hull’s promotion push stuttering, Snodgrass re-energised his teammates as they bounced back after the turn of the year.

Likely to operate on the left hand side with a licence to roam in central positions, he has a wicked left foot from distance and a knack of scoring crucial goals. The former Norwich winger has Premier League experience from his time at Carrow Road which could be key while he will provide a danger with his set-piece deliveries.

Prediction- 19th

It is hard to make any case for Hull avoiding the drop. Last season the club lost to just one team at home in the league, but with fans staying away following the scrapping of concessions, it is unlikely that the KCOM stadium will be a fortress this term.

With all the troubles around the club and some tough fixtures at the start of the season, there appears to be no positive momentum at Hull. No signings and no plan going forward make the Tigers justified favourites for the drop.

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