Can Nick Powell rebuild his once promising career at Hull City?

Hull City ended their “quiet” January transfer window by sneaking through two low-key signings. Goalkeeper Dusan Kucak from Legia Warsaw for a small six figure fee and Manchester United’s Nick Powell on loan until the summer.

While the Slovak Kuciak is low-key because he’s plied his trade in Eastern Europe for his entire career, the lack of fanfare surrounding Powell is strange but unsurprising. If he’d signed for The Tigers two years ago, it would have felt like a major coup where now it’s simply a shot at redemption for a prodigious talent whose career is going downhill faster than Jon Parkin on specially reinforced skis.

Go back to 2012 and Nick Powell had the world at his feet. In May, his sublime goal, and sixteenth of the season, won the League Two play-off final at Wembley. In July, he joined Manchester United for an initial four million pounds. September brought a Premier League debut as a substitute vs. Wigan and a debut goal. In October he made his England U21 debut – having appeared for the national team previously at U16, U17, U18 and U19 level.

He was 18 years old. He was confident, bordering on arrogant. He stood a sturdy six feet tall and had undoubted ability in both feet. There were question marks over his best position but Sir Alex Ferguson thought he’d become a central midfielder telling the press after the aforementioned debut "We hope Powell fills Paul Scholes' boots. For an 18-year-old boy it has been a terrific day."

From those early highs added to a tremendous cameo in a 4-5 League Cup defeat to Chelsea and a fine performance away to Galatasaray in the Champions League – a promising career unravelled slowly but surely. There was little sign of that in the autumn of 2012, nor of the attitude problems that would end his loan spell at Leicester two years later.

Powell: “My dad will keep me in touch, I’ll tell you that. I’m just going to go home, have this great feeling and I’ll keep myself on the ground. When I first came on it scared me a little bit, to be fair, because I’m only used to 5,000 people now and then, but it’s a great atmosphere – the fans are great.”

Injury curtailed his first season at Old Trafford and in the summer, Sir Alex Ferguson retired and was replaced by David Moyes. Powell was sent on loan to recently relegated Wigan where he had a productive season, bagging twelve goals including three in the Europa League group stages. Wigan boss Owen Coyle was enamoured with him, feeling he could polish up a rough diamond:

“I've given him a platform to showcase his talents and Manchester United will get back a more-developed player with more experience and a player who can challenge; as we've done before with the Sturridges and the Wilsheres. There's no doubt from me he can have a huge career. He's got so much belief and ability in him and hopefully I can give him more and it benefits the football club.”

Sadly his Wigan spell ended with a whimper as failed to regain his starting berth after injury and then admitted a charge of drink-driving receiving a fourteen month ban and a £5,000 fine. Another season at United brought another manager in Louis Van Gaal and Powell’s stock continued to fall with each passing month. In his only appearance of the season, United were beaten 4-0 by MK Dons in the League Cup before he went on loan to Leicester and managed just forty minutes of football in three months. That spell ended prematurely as then Leicester manager Nigel Pearson was said to be unimpressed with Powell’s attitude to training and poor time keeping.

Serious hamstring problems kept him out for nine months in 2015 but he did return late in the year to make a couple of very odd substitute appearances in defeats against Wolfsburg and Bournemouth.

With his United contract dwindling down, Hull City have offered Powell an escape from Old Trafford and a chance to get some “game time” at the KC Stadium. That would once have been a highly exciting prospect for Tigers’ fans. Instead it was met with apathy. City need a striking option according to most fans and, most importantly, Steve Bruce. A midfielder who has barely played for eighteen months doesn’t exactly float the boat.

However, it seems certain that Steve Bruce will use Powell as a forward. That may not be a bad idea. When he became the latest name to roll off the magnificent production line at Crewe Alexandra – Dario Gradi was sure his game was set-up to score goals:

"When he does ridiculous chips and flicks I tell him, 'don't think you're going to score like that.’ He has now accepted what I've said to him that his future will depend on him scoring goals. I think he understands that now. Instead of ridiculous and outrageous shots, he's actually trying to put the ball in the back of the net which he has the ability to do, there's no doubt about that."

That advice was clearly sound because Gradi turned Powell from a player who scored precisely zero goals in 2010/11 into the forward who scored sixteen the following season – several of them sensational.

Steve Bruce will look to take a similar tact with the player whose ability was beyond question. Ferguson took five minutes to decide that his touch and vision made him a player he wanted. Bruce has to coax that back out of him while ensuring his attitude doesn’t derail not only him but Hull City’s cohesive and confident squad.

Perhaps the biggest challenge for Powell will be to again get used to training every day at a high intensity while preparing, seriously, for crucial games coming thick and fast. Yet at that the same time, that may be exactly what he needs to regain his love for the game he has a natural ability to play. And play very, very well.

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW 2013/14

ARSENAL

LAST SEASON: 4^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Yaya Sanogo - Auxerre (FRA) - Free

KEY DEPARTURES: Andrey Arshavin - Zenit St. Petersburg (RUS) - Released, Denilson - Sao Paulo (BRA) - Released, Vito Mannone - Sunderland - 2.8m

WHAT'S NEW?

Not a lot. Arsenal are sitting on a stack of money they can't spend. Failed with moves for Higuin who went to Napoli and Luis Gustavo who joined Wolfsburg. Key target Luis Suarez looks likely to stay at Liverpool and interest in Wayne Rooney was a fantasy. Another struggle to win the 4th place trophy beckons. Over 3000 days since they last won a trophy.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Liverpool agree to sell Suarez, Arsenal finish 3rd and win the FA Cup.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Spurs end the Arse's 16 year run of Champions League football.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Finding 3 top players in the next 2 weeks.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Arsene Wenger.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 5^th

 

ASTON VILLA

LAST SEASON: 15^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Aleksandar Tonev - Lech Poznan (POL) - Undisc, Jores Okore - Nordsjaelland (DEN) - Undisc, Nicklas Helenius - Aalborg (DEN) - Undisc

KEY DEPARTURES: Darren Bent - Fulham - Loan, Jean II Makoun - Rennes (FRA) - Undisc, Richard Dunne - QPR – Released

WHAT'S NEW?

A load of players most have never heard of. Villa have abandoned their interest in young British players and gone for young foreign players instead. Holding on to Christian Benteke was crucial and some of the boys who struggled last season should mature but another season in the bottom half is almost certain.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Sneaking into the top half.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Having an excellent Championship side in 2014/15.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Christian Benteke's goals and a much improved defence.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Andreas Wiemann.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 14^th

CARDIFF CITY

LAST SEASON: 1^st (Championship)

KEY ARRIVALS: Andreas Cornelius - FC Copenhagen (DEN) - 7.5m, Gary Medel - Sevilla (SPA) - 11m, Steven Caulker - Tottenham Hotspur - 8m

KEY DEPARTURES: None.

WHAT'S NEW?

Premier League football is. Cardiff return to the top flight after a 51 year absence and put 3 years of play-off heartache behind them. Stormed, deservedly, to the Championship title last season and have spent big and attracted real quality this summer.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

If everything clicks, they could finish in the top 8.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Upsetting a settled unit with expensive buys on big money could see them return to the Football League quick smart.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Integrating the new players and getting goals from Cornelius.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Gary Medel. Fantastic player. Absolute nutcase.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 15^th

CHELSEA

LAST SEASON: 3^rd

KEY ARRIVALS: Andre Schurrle - Bayer Leverkusen - 18m, Marco van Ginkel - Vitesse Arnhem (HOL) - 8m

KEY DEPARTURES: None. But half the squad have gone on loan around the world.

WHAT'S NEW?

Chelsea have a 5^th new manager in the last 4 years. I can’t remember his name though. The squad has remained settled despite plenty of rumours and must improve having massively underachieved in the Premier League in the past 2 seasons.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Winning the title and having a long run in the Champions League. Nothing else is good enough.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Another lackluster league campaign and not being involved in the CL past February.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Reflecting the managers determination and arrogance on the pitch.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Andrea Shirley. German is the Premier League’s first female pro.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 1^st

CRYSTAL PALACE

LAST SEASON: 5^th (Championship)

KEY ARRIVALS:  Dwight Gayle - Peterborough United - 6m, Jerome Thomas - WBA – Released,  Jose Campana - Sevilla (SPA) - 1.75m

KEY DEPARTURES: Andre Moritz - Bolton Wanderers – Free

WHAT'S NEW?

Not as much as Ian Holloway would have liked. Aside from taking a massive gamble on Dwight Gayle and what looks a very shrewd signing in Jose Campana, Palace have struggled to recruit proven quality and look by far the weakest squad on paper.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Returning to the Championship with bulging pockets.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Is it still called “Doing a Derby”?

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Either pulling several rabbits out of the transfer hat in the next 2 weeks or cheating 15 penalties out of referees again.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Dwight Gayle.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 20^th. Sorry.

EVERTON

LAST SEASON: 6^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Antolin Alcaraz - Wigan Athletic – Free, Arouna Kone – Wigan Athletic – 6m, Gerard Deulofeu - Barcelona (SPA) - Loan

KEY DEPARTURES: None.

WHAT'S NEW?

Everton have a new manager, losing David Moyes after 10 years. In comes the well admired Roberto Martinez whose teams play attractive football but can’t defend. He inherits a strong squad with better defenders than he’s had before and some talented forward players. Kone is a super signing while Deulofeu, who is highly thought of in Spain, could be a master stroke.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Martinez attacking principles lead Everton to a top 4 finish.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Martinez defensive flaws lead Everton to a mid-table finish.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Finding the right balance between defence and attack.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Marouane Fellaini. Thug.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 8^th

FULHAM

LAST SEASON: 12^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Adel Taarabt – QPR - Loan, Darren Bent – Aston Villa – Loan, Derek Boateng - Dnipro (UKR) – Free, Maarten Stekelenburg – Roma (ITA) - 3.5m.

KEY DEPARTURES: Mahamadou Diarra – Released, Mark Schwarzer – Released, Mladen Petric – Released

WHAT'S NEW?

Mohammed Al Fayad selling up after 16 years as Fulham’s owner was the big story of the summer. Don’t worry though, the Michael Jackson statue is still in place. Meanwhile Martin Jol has gone quietly about his business this summer with several shrewd but low cost signings.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

A top 8 finish is possible if Fulham click.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Several temperamental personalities in the dressing room mean they could slip into a dog fight when the going gets tough.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Taarabt and Bent helping Berbatov rather than getting in his way.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Adel Taarabt. I hope his Oyster card is topped up.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 12^th

HULL CITY

LAST SEASON: 2^nd (Championship)

KEY ARRIVALS: Ahmed Elmohamady - Sunderland - 2m, Allan McGregor - Besiktas (TUR) - 1.8m, Curtis Davies - Birmingham City - 2.25m, Danny Graham - Sunderland – Loan, Maynor Figueroa - Wigan Athletic – Free, Tom Huddlestone – Spurs – 5.25m, Yannick Sagbo - Evian (FRA) - 1.6m

KEY DEPARTURES: Corry Evans - Blackburn Rovers - 750k, Jack Hobbs - Nottingham Forest – Loan,  Tom Cairney - Blackburn Rovers - Loan

WHAT'S NEW?

Ten players are new. Steve Bruce got The Tigers promoted against all odds with a squad lacking goalkeepers, having several loan players and severely lacking in top flight experience. He’s done an excellent job of replenishing the team on a tough budget. THERE IS NO CHANGE OF TEAM NAME!

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Massive investment form the Asian market leads to several world class acquisitions in January and City clinch the Premier League title with 2 weeks to spare.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Relegation, obviously.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Keeping the small number of really top quality players fit to play in most of the 38 games.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Danny Graham.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 17^th

LIVERPOOL

LAST SEASON: 7^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Iago Aspas - Celta Vigo (SPA) - 7m, Kolo Toure - Manchester City – Released, Luis Alberto - Sevilla (SPA) - 6.8m, Simon Mignolet - Sunderland - 9m

KEY DEPARTURES: Andy Carroll - West Ham United - 15.5m, Jonjo Shelvey - Swansea City - 5m, Pepe Reina – Napoli – Loan, Stewart Downing – West Ham United – 6m

WHAT'S NEW?

So far, not a great deal. Liverpool should do better than last season as they were much improved once Sturridge and Coutinho joined in January. They’ve signed good players but not players who’ll make a massive difference. Could still pull out a truly world class signing.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

The North London sides implode and Liverpool sneak into 4^th place.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Finishing below Everton. Again.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Keeping Luis Suarez and keeping him happy.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Simon Mignolet. Has big shoes to fill.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 6th

MANCHESTER CITY

LAST SEASON: 2nd

KEY ARRIVALS: Alvaro Negredo - Sevilla (SPA) - 20m, Fernandinho - Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) - 30m, Jesus Navas - Sevilla (SPA) - 14.9m, Stevan Jovetic - Fiorentina (ITA) - 22m

KEY DEPARTURES: Carlos Tevez - Juventus (ITA) - 12m

WHAT'S NEW?

It’s nothing new but City have spent nearly a hundred million quid again. New manager Pellegrini has been provided with several top European performers to add to an already bulging squad. He absolutely must improve on their dire performances in the Champions League which was what truly did for Roberto Mancini.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

A quadruple?

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

More CL misery and United winning the title in spite of Moyes.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Settling quickly and maintaining a settled team. Mancini fiddled too often.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Negredo. He’s still not over the disappointment of missing out on a move to Hull.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 3rd

MANCHESTER UNITED

LAST SEASON: 1^st

KEY ARRIVALS: None.

KEY DEPARTURES: None.

WHAT'S NEW?

For the first time in 26 years we’ll see a United team that isn’t managed by Alex Ferguson. I don’t think David Moyes can fill his shoes. His handling of the Wayne Rooney “saga” has been less than authoritative and publicly chasing players who didn’t want to join is not the United way.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

The Championship in his first season would be an excellent achievement for Moyes.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Finishing below City and being exposed in the CL.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Rooney and van Persie.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Moyes.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 2^nd

NEWCASTLE UNITED

LAST SEASON: 16^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Loic Remy - QPR - Loan

KEY DEPARTURES: None.

WHAT'S NEW?

Not a lot. Newcastle have spent most of the summer providing comedy value for football fans everywhere and not enough time strengthening a squad that was very, very lucky there were 3 sides more useless in the division last season. That said, Newcastle do have quality, most of it French, and if they can get a settled side out, they could be fine.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

If allowed to show their va va voom, they could be top half.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

They are just as likely to fall through the “relegation trap door”.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Remy staying out of prison.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Remy’s defence lawyer.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 18^th

NORWICH CITY

LAST SEASON: 11^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Gary Hooper - Celtic (SCO) - 5m, Leroy Fer - FC Twente (HOL) – Undisc, Martin Olsson - Blackburn Rovers – Undisc, Nathan Redmond - Birmingham City - 2m, Ricky Van Wolfswinkel - Sporting (POR) - Undisc

KEY DEPARTURES: Grant Holt - Wigan Athletic - 2m

WHAT'S NEW?

Someone at Carrow Road has won the Euromillions. Norwich have gambled big time on improving in the Premier League. There are risks of course but I think they’ve made an excellent job of it. Flirted with the bottom three last season before pulling away at the end. They’ll be safe by Christmas this year.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Is Europa League football unlikely?

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

The club shop run out of W’s.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Getting their expensive acquisitions to work as hard as the players they’ve joined.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Gary Hooper. Waste of money.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 7^th

SOUTHAMPTON

LAST SEASON: 14th

KEY ARRIVALS: Victor Wanyama - Celtic (SCO) - 12.5m, Dejan Lovren – Lyon (FRA) – 8.5m

KEY DEPARTURES: None.

WHAT'S NEW?

Saints have added quality in the right areas, albeit at massively inflated prices, to an exciting young squad. Though, ironically it was 31 year old Rickie Lambert who this week became their first England cap in 8 years.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

A top 10 finish is with their capability though the league is going to be ultra-competitive this season.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

I still hate the way they treated Nigel Adkins so I’d quiet like to see them struggle.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

A better start than they made last season.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

The interpreter.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 11^th

STOKE CITY

LAST SEASON: 13^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Erik Pieters - PSV Eindhoven (HOL) - 3m, Marc Muniesa - Barcelona (SPA) - Free

KEY DEPARTURES: Rory Delap - Burton Albion - Released

WHAT'S NEW?

Higher unemployment in Stoke. I don’t mean Tony Pulis, I mean those poor fellas who carried towels around the pitch. As much as Tony Pulis’s footballing philosophy made the games originators turn in their grave, he enjoyed great success at Stoke. Dispensing him was a brave move and replacing him with Hughes, who flopped at QPR, is even braver. Hughes hasn’t really made his mark on the squad.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

The towel carriers are re-hired to fan Abi Clancy on warm days.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

They will be sucked into the scrap for survival.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Home form. Best atmosphere in the league at the Britannia.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Cameron Jerome. He’d bet on it.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 16^th

SUNDERLAND

LAST SEASON: 17^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Emanuele Giaccherini - Juventus (ITA) - 6.5m, Jozy Altidore - AZ Alkmaar (HOL) - Undisc.

KEY DEPARTURES: Simon Mignolet - Liverpool - 9m

WHAT'S NEW?

Paulo Di Canio has brought his scouting system from Swindon. It basically involves cracking open the Championship Manager database and searching for players with ability above 150 whose contract is expiring.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

They could do anything this season. The signings are utterly random. In Altidore and Giaccherini they have at least signed a bit of proven quality.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

(R) Sunderland.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Championship Manager’s team of researchers.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Sadly, Vito Mannone.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 19^th

SWANSEA CITY

LAST SEASON: 9^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Jonjo Shelvey - Liverpool - 5m, Jordi Amat - Espanyol (SPA) - 2.5m, Wilfried Bony - Vitesse Arnhem (HOL) - 12m

KEY DEPARTURES: None.

WHAT'S NEW?

Swansea splashing the cash.  Two seasons of Premier League football maintained on a tight budget and the increase in TV revenue have given Michael Laudrup a bit of wiggle room. The obvious big name signing is Bony who a dozen Premier League clubs have looked at and baulked at the asking price. How to top winning a trophy at Wembley is going to be a big question for Laudrup this season.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Improving a place or two in the league and doing well in Europe.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Losing Laudrup.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Coping with the numerous Thursday-Sunday matches scheduled, especially after Euro trips.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Michu. Second season syndrome.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 10^th

 TOTTINGHAM HOTSPURS

LAST SEASON: 5^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Ettiene Capoue – Toulouse – 9.3m, Nacer Chadli - Twente (HOL) - 7m, Paulinho - Corinthians (BRA) - 17m,  Roberto Soldado - Valencia (SPA) - 26m

KEY DEPARTURES: Clint Dempsey - Seattle Sounders (USA) - 6m, Steven Caulker - Cardiff City - 8m, Tom Huddlestone – Hull City – 5.25m.

WHAT'S NEW?

Spurs finishing 5^th, Daniel Levy playing hard ball over transfers, sound business being done at WHL. None of that is new. A striker though. A proper top class striker, that is certainly a revelation. Spurs have spent big on a guy who should score goals by the bucket load. The excellent Paulinho and lively Capoue look great business too.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Is a title challenge too much to ask? Probably, just.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Soldado is crocked. Liverpool have a stormer. Spurs finish 5^th again.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

I’ve avoided mentioning Gareth Bale! Damn, nearly. Anyway – keeping him or selling early enough to replace with quality.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Paulinho. You can never trust a Brazilian.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 4^th

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

LAST SEASON: 8^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Diego Lugano - Paris SG (FRA) – Free, Goran Popov - Dynamo Kiev (UKR) – Loan, Nicolas Anelka - Juventus (ITA) - Released

KEY DEPARTURES: None.

WHAT'S NEW?

WBA have had a quiet summer. Anelka and Lugano, while big names, aren’t signings that have really caused a ripple. They had a settled squad last season, didn’t ever panic when a result went against them and through a combination of shrewd tactics, team spirit and quality throughout, they finished in a fine eighth place.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

8^th again is surely the limit of their capabilities.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Odemwingie holds another circus show on deadline day.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Their discipline, workrate and craft in midfield.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

Anelka. He’ll score goals no doubt but he can be a poisonous influence.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 13^th

WEST HAM UNITED

LAST SEASON: 10^th

KEY ARRIVALS: Andy Carroll - Liverpool - 15.5m, Razvan Rat - Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) – Free, Stewart Downing – Liverpool – 6m

KEY DEPARTURES: Carlton Cole – Released.

WHAT'S NEW?

West Ham have followed up the mildly successful capture of Andy Carroll by signing the man tasked with providing him at Liverpool, Stewart Downing. That combination didn’t do well on Merseyside but it’s right up Sam Allardyce’s street. The ‘ammers did well on their return to the Premier League last season and have enough quality in every area to do well again.

BEST CASE SCENARIO?

Downing and Carroll hit it off and another top 10 finish is secured.

WORST CASE SCENARIO?

Carroll spends another season picking up niggly injuries and Big Sam rues the day he let Carlton Cole go.

KEY TO SUCCESS?

Kevin Nolan most probably. Right place. Right time.

MOST LIKELY TO FLOP?

I think Downing will do well, so Carroll if anyone.

RICK's PREDICTED FINISH: 9^th

Safe Enough Hands?

The Tigers summer recruitment finally kicked off in July with two new goalkeepers arriving at the KC Stadium. News broke on Friday 6^th July that Manchester United’s Ben Amos had agreed to a season-long loan deal and would join the players’ training camp in Portugal. However as Amos will be joining Manchester United on their pre-season tour of South Africa before completing the deal, Steve Bruce’s first official signing came today and came out of the blue.

The six foot, four inch Swiss international goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović joined the Tigers on trial for a week in March 2012 as Nick Barmby cast an eye over him with a view to a free transfer move this summer. Barmby’s well documented departure appeared to have put paid to any move for Jakupović. When I wrote about City’s potential transfer targets last week, I didn’t include the Swiss because the rumours had long since died off and he was spending time on trial at Ipswich Town. However the news of this trial obviously provoked City into action with Steve Bruce calling on the clubs scouting team to stop messing around Football Manager and dust off their dossier on Kozarac’s number one. Goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh, the sole survivor from the management cull, will have had some input too. Jakupović signed a two-year deal with City on 9^th July and joined up with the squad in Portugal immediately. 

Jakupović is well-travelled. He was born in Bosnia (then Yugoslavia) but has dual Swiss nationality. He represented both countries at U21 level but opted for Switzerland. He went to Euro 2008 as back-up goalkeeper and won his only cap in a friendly against Cyprus. England will be his fourth port of call at club level having played in Switzerland for Grasshopper (twice) and Thun, in Russia for Lokomotiv Moscow and in Greece for Olympiakos and Aris Salonika.

Amos is an England U21 international who also has caps at all youth levels from 16-20. He is highly regarded at Old Trafford and made his Premier League debut against Stoke City last season after spending time on loan at Molde, Oldham Athletic and Peterborough United. He has been linked with Ipswich Town who appear to have the same list of goalkeeping targets as the Tigers. We’ve beaten them to Amos and Jakupović while Tomasz Kuszczak turned down both clubs to join Brighton & Hove Albion.

The signings will please some of the Tigers fans who were getting a little nervous that for a second summer in succession the only goalkeeper on the books heading into pre-season was Mark Oxley who is yet to make a first team appearance. To continue the déjà vu, despite being linked with a big money move for ex-loanee Vito Mannone, we’ve once again ended up with a loan ranger and a free agent as back-up. Last season it was Peter Gulacsi who joined from Liverpool hoping to get a season of first team football under his belt. He didn’t last half a dozen games in the first team and only stayed for most of the season because Liverpool refused to have him back. Amos looks a better prospect. He’s rated enough at Manchester United that he was preferred to Tomasz Kuszczak last season and was kept on as reserve goalkeeper when Kuszczak was allowed to join Watford. Apart from his single appearance in the top flight he has played little football at the top level so it’s going to be a big test for him to step up to the first team with a side that wants to challenge for promotion.

Jakupović will also hope to enjoy a more successful City career than Adriano Basso did last season. Brought in as an old head to help Gulacsi, Basso found himself as first choice after the Hungarian failed to impress. He did a fine job too before a persistent knee injury all but ended his season and probably his career. Jakupović is a good age for a goalkeeper at 27 and has good experience behind him. He’s been good enough to play at a good level in Europe, be involved in the Switzerland squad and has been linked with a move to Spurs on a couple of occasions. I’d imagine that Amos will be coming in on the proviso that he plays first team football but as we saw with Gulacsi last season, there are no guarantees that it will pan out that way. Jakupović should provide a good challenge for the #1 shirt.

These moves probably end the Tigers interest in Vito Mannone. Steve Bruce said last week that he’d be speaking to Arsenal about Mannone this week. One can only presume that City found the asking price for Mannone prohibitive and decided to explore new avenues. While it be nice to have a settled and long-term goalkeeper in place, it’s also understandable that the club would not want to spend upwards of half a million pounds on a goalkeeper when they feel there is value elsewhere. This is especially true if, as is rumoured, Mannone is going to be out of contract in a year’s time. Some will suggest the club have taken the cheap option which is probably true but something I support. Football transfers always have risk involved and there are no guarantees regardless of how much is spent. We should know. We spent two seasons in the top flight relying one two goalkeepers who cost a combined fee of £75,000.

And it has been said that Eldin Jakupović is the Bosnian Boaz Myhill. But only by me just then!

Wanna be A Tiger? #1

Brad Guzan (Goalkeeper) 

The USA international was released by Aston Villa in May 2012 after failing to agree a new contract. Guzan enjoyed a loan spell with Nigel Pearson's Tigers in 2010/11 and that solid if unspectacular spell means he'd get a warm welcome if he returned to the KC. Steve Bruce confirmed his interest but believes that Guzan will return to Aston Villa under new manager Paul Lambert. Not happening.

Credibility of rumour?: Michael Turner
Likelihood of happening?: As likely as Hull hosting the 2016 Olympics.

Ben Amos (Goalkeeper) 

Amos is a 22 year old Manchester United youth product. He's been capped by England at all junior levels but has so far made just 1 league appearance for United. following unproductive loan spells at Peterborough United and Molde (Norway) he enjoyed a spell at Oldham Athletic in 2011 making 16 appearances. He moved above Tomasz Kuszczak in the pecking order at United last season. The link is an obvious one given the tigers close links with United in recent seasons but a long-term loan would leave United with only two senior 'keepers.

Credibility: Gary Brabin
Likelihood: As likely as Liverpool winning the FA Cup.

Vito Mannone (Goalkeeper) 

 

Arsenal's Italian stopper has long been fancied to fulfill the gaping hole in the Tigers squad. He made 10 appearances for City on loan in 2010/11 impressing most with his quick distribution and decisive nature. He returned a year later for a second loan spell and made 21 appearances. The longer spell saw his form vary to a greater degree and he made a couple of key errors. He recovers quickly from such errors as he proved at Portsmouth last season where he made several key stops despite gifting Pompey their opening goal. Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest and Mannone has stated in the past that he'd love to come to Hull permanently. The sticking point is the transfer fee with Arsenal said to want £1m. An incentive based package might appease both parties.

Credibility: Dean Windass
Likelihood: As likely as Arsene Wenger being a reasonable man.

Paddy Kenny (Goalkeeper) 

 

Barely worthy of a mention due to the tenuous nature of the link. At the most, Hull City are being used to force more money out of Leeds United. Leeds being the expected destination of the ex-fat boy goalkeeper who's followed Neil Warnock up and down the country to Bury, Sheffield United and QPR. He might have followed him to Crystal Palace if not for his 9 month drugs ban in 2009. Has form with the Tigers supporters after his gloating in a sickening 2-3 defeat at Bramall Lane in 2005/06.

Credibility: Chris Lee
Likelihood: Sod likely, this one's about as welcome as a fart in a white telephone box.

Michael Keane (Defender) 

 

Another Manchester United junior linked with a move to join the massive band of former Reds at Hull City. The 19-year old was the reserve team player of the year at Old Trafford last year and also interests Blackburn Rovers. His arrival would be welcome at the KC with a temporary void in the centre of defence needing to be filled until Jack Hobbs returns from injury. His twin brother Will is a hot-prospect at Old Trafford with the striker already having made 3 appearances for England's U21's. Michael has represented Ireland at 3 junior levels but has since switched allegiance to England and appeared for the national U19 squad.

Credibility: Junior Lewis
Likelihood: As Likely as Phil Brown visiting Tanfastic in the next month.

Paul Coutts (Midfielder) 

 

Box to box midfielder who was rescued from the junior football system in Scotland by Darren Ferguson's Peterborough United. He played a key role in Posh's promotion to the Championship (alongside current Tiger Aaron McLean) but followed his manager to Preston North End in January 2010. Ferguson's Preston career ended rather abruptly and despite being a regular under Phil Brown, Coutts is surplus to requirements following Graham Westley's transfer revolution. Preston will want to lose his wages from their budget so he could be available for £400,000. Brown thinks he could eventually play in the Premier League. So he's probably rubbish!

Credibility: Damien Delaney
Likelihood: As likely as Steve Bruce leaving for a bigger job before Easter.

Ryan Tunnicliffe (Midfielder) 

 

Tough central midfielder schooled at Old Trafford. The 19 year old is an England youth international. He spent the first half of the 2011/12 season on loan at Peterbroough playing 26 times but returned to Manchester United after Christmas. Said to interest Blackburn Rovers too.

Credibility: Marc Joseph
Likelihood: As Likely as a bloke halting Hull's green revolution to save an antique crane.

Emile Heskey (Striker) 

 

Former England international is available on a free transfer after being released by Aston Villa. He was linked with a move to the Tigers an hour after Steve Bruce's unveiling having worked with the new manager at Birmingham and Wigan. Bruce has signed him once and sold him twice. The link appeared to be the media putting two and two together and Bruce's has stated that this is the case. I've never been confident of the Tigers attracting the former Leicester and Liverpool star and I still feel the opportunity to link up with former boss Martin O'Neill (and stay in the Premier League) at Sunderland or the to stay in the midlands with Wolves might appeal to him more. Heskey is a bit of a figure of fun in top level football given his low goal return and his ability to occasionally miss an unmissible chance but he's an experienced and powerful front player who's still in good shape and would provide a good foil for Fryatt or McLean.

Credibility: Stuart Green
Likelihood: As likely as City signing Alvaro Negredo for £12m.

Nick Proschwitz (Striker) 

 

Gangly German target man was unheard of in Hull until a few days ago. Plays in the second Bundesliga for Paderborn for whom he scored 17 times in 33 games last season. A product of Hannover's reserve side, he arrived at Paderborn via Vaduz of Liechtenstein and Thun and Lucern in Switzerland. Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest but any deal is at an early stage. A transfer fee will be required but it shouldn't be too significant. Transfer fees in Germany are much lower than those in England, unless the buying club is Bayern Munich when a "no-one likes you" premium is added.

Credibility: Bo Myhill
Likelihood: As likely as a 10-year old from East Hull being ejected from the South Stand for swearing next season.