Will the arrival of the Tigers in SE7 on Saturday strike fear into the hearts of the team and the Addickted? Probably not. I'm not claiming for a moment that it will be three easy points, but nor will it be the toughest test we will face at The Valley this season.
In many ways, the pressure is on Steve Bruce. Vice-chairman Ehab Allam has made it clear that promotion is the aim in his first season in charge. This could prove difficult as Bruce tries to rebuild a managerial reputation dented towards the end of his time at Sunderland. It is, however, too early in the season for the curse of Charlton to strike.
After a finish in 8th place last season The Times and The League Paper have them 11th and 12th respectively, just ahead of Charlton. Four Four Two have them 16th. Bruce got the Blues promoted to the top flight on two occasions, but it looks like a harder task at Hull.
At least the Hull players will be pleased to see The Valley pitch. Their home pitch had a poor reputation last season. This was not just due to the ravages of egg chasing, but also an infestation of parasitic worms. That is not a reference to the players.
Hull did not have a lot of flair last season and had problems scoring goals. Only two players made double figures and the total number of league goals was just 47.
Hull's one goal of the season so far has been scored by so-called 'forgotten man' Jay Simpson. It was the former Arsenal striker's first goal in 16 months. Much hope is placed in new striker Nick Proschwitz, acquired for £2.6m from Bundesliga second tier sie SC Paderborn.
Proschwitz thinks he is well suited to English football, indeed he believes 'my style is perfect for it.' No false modesty there, then, but on Saturday against Brighton his hold up play was reckoned to be poor. He seemed to have difficulty finding his feet and eventually had to be substituted. He likes English football, commenting 'People here have big emotions and I like that.' He doesn't seem to be well clued up on Charlton, however, asking 'Wo ist das? Ich weiss nicht.'
Keeper Ben Amos finds long-range efforts hard to deal with. In defence Abdoulaye Faye doesn't look match fit. Striker Aaron McLean, who managed to find the net five times last year, is industrious but lacks quality in the key areas. Two of their better players are Sone Aluko and Paul McKenna who despite his advancing years provides a tireless display in the engine room.
Grumblers are already targeting Johnnie Jackson, arguing that his pace is too slow for this level. However, it is too early for that kind of dismissive judgment and we need him at set pieces.
I think that we could manage to win 2-0.
2 comments:
I hope that (doubtlessly accurate) hatchet job on Hull's squad doesn't serve as the extra motivation they need. If I was SB I'd paste it up on the changing room wall.
I won't see the outcome first hand I'll be getting rained on elsewhere
I also heard moans about the performance after Tuesday night- every club have people who you can never please- maybe they should simply go to Man City, Chelsea etc?
I agree it was not Skips best performance but what he lacks in pace he makes up for in nouse- I think the first half was played at such pace a few- Pritchard norably simply could not sustain it for 90 mins. I certainly was not moaning!
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