Whatever happened to...? Premier League Tigers

It may only have been three years since Hull City’s original Premier League journey came to an end at Wigan but at times it has felt like a lifetime. The club neared bankruptcy, were saved by an Egyptian on a white horse, have turned over nearly 50 players, seen four managers (and one “Football management consultant”) leave before returning to the top flight against all odds.

It’s been quite a journey for the players who wore the black and amber in the Premier League too.  A few went on to bigger and better things. Several have retired. Some travelled the world. One has been to prison. Let’s have a look.

Amr Zaki (6 appearances - 0 goals)

The first Egyptian player to represent Hull City (before it became old hat) had an unremarkable spell on loan from Zamalek. He returned to the Egyptian club and found a bit of form but a serious injury and a contractual dispute meant he missed a lot of football. He went on to join Turkish side Elazigspor in 2011 but left following a contractual dispute. He then returned to Egypt with ENPPI whom he’d previously represented between 2003-2005. He left earlier this summer following a contractual dispute and has signed for Al-Salmiya of Kuwait. I hope they’ve got a good lawyer.

Andy Dawson (60 apps - 1 goal)

Left The Tigers this summer after 10 years at the KC Stadium to rejoin former club Scunthorpe United. Helped steady the ship after relegation from the Premier League and secured a fourth promotion with the club last season though it’s safe to say his contribution paled in significance to that made in the other three. When there is finally an official Hull City Hall of Fame, he’s a cast-iron certainty. Well deserved testimonial takes place on August 10^th 2013.

Anthony Gardner (30 apps - 0 goals)

Ex-England international sick note was allowed to join Crystal Palace on loan in 2010 as his early appearances for The Tigers in the Championship resembled a “You’ve Been Framed” audition tape. Joined Palace permanently after his contract expired and restored his reputation somewhat with solid displays as Palace reached the league Cup Semi-finals in 2012. Showed his gratitude for the rehabilitation at Selhurst Park by leaving for Sheffield Wednesday where he managed 37 games. In one season. Their Physio has just been trademarked by Marvel comics.

Bernard Mendy (49 apps - 2 goals)

French full-back with lightening quick feet and desperately slow brain was released from his City contract about 5 minutes after relegation was confirmed. He moved to Denmark with Odense, where he turned up in a Europa League tie with Fulham, before signing a two year contract with Brest. They were promptly relegated. He must have felt a right tit.

Boaz Myhill (55 apps - 0 goals)

Promotion to the Premier League was his third with The Tigers. Signed for £50,000 from Aston Villa by Peter Taylor, he became arguably our greatest ever goalkeeper before moving on to WBA after relegation. He didn’t want to go but the club needed to sell him. The fee was officially undisclosed but said to be £1.5m. That’s not a bad return. Unfortunately he’s played second fiddle to Ben Foster at WBA and has almost played more times for Wales than Albion in the last three years. Bring Back Bo.

Bryan Hughes (6 apps - 0 goals)

Experienced midfielder played a much unheralded part in the promotion team. He was never going to be a Premier League player again though and we saw little of him before he was released in January 2010. For a fella who’d made 40-odd Championship appearances in a promotion winning side 18 months earlier, he had a surprising struggle to find a new home. He had short spells with Burton, Grimsby and IBV in Iceland before a half season spell at Accrington Stanley. You know who they are. He’s now retired but it active on the ex-Tiger circuit and has turned out for Scarborough Athletic. Still lives locally and props up Deano at the bar!

Caleb Folan (23 apps - 3 goals)

The Tigers first £1m signing and scorer of the first ever winning goal in the Premier League exited the KC Stadium in 2011 to join Colorado Rapids. Chances were few and far between for him in the Premier League and that continued after relegation partly as result of injuries and partly because Nigel Pearson thought he was rubbish. His unremarkable stay in the MLS ended in February 2012 when he signed for Birmingham City, where he never played a game before he moved onto Malaysia with T-Team. He left them in March and now looks to be in limbo, despite being only 30 years old.

Craig Fagan (47 apps - 5 goals)

Ah, Craig Fagan, he’s a grafter. Not much of a footballer though. Another who came in like a Lion and went out like a Lamb, his third spell with City ended in 2011. He’d missed most of the previous season with an injury sustained when he stabbed himself with his own forked tongue at Burnley. He fell into League two with Bradford City, left them to better himself and ended up without a club until Bury came calling and he fell into League Two with them. He’s also only 30 years old and is currently without employment.

Daniel Cousin (30 apps - 4 goals)

Goal-shy Gabonese globetrotter left The Tigers for Larissa of Greece. He initially went on loan (which said much as he was let go when we couldn’t hit a cows arse with a banjo) and moved permanently the following August. He moved back to his homeland with Sapins to prepare for the 2012 African Nations cup which they were co-hosting. In fairness, he had a terrific tournament and captained his country through the group stage before they were beaten on penalties by Mali. A return to Rangers fell through when they were placed into administration and he’s done nothing since.

Dean Marney (47 apps - 1 goal)

Plays for Burnley. Tosser.

Dean Windass (5 apps - 1 goal)

One of the saddest parts of the glorious first half-season in the Premier League was the way Dean Windass’ City career ended. What should have been the ultimate fairy story ending with “Deano” firing his hometown club into the top flight for the first time had an unsatisfactory epilogue. Deano couldn’t see his career come to an end and chose to play on ending up on loan at Oldham before moving on to Darlington as Player-Assistant Manager, a move that didn’t work out with the club on the verge of implosion. He received a testimonial at the KC Stadium but it never quite felt right coming a year after the heroics. Has semi-retired, turning out for Scarborough occasionally with Bryan Hughes and has had well-documented mental issues.

George Boateng (52 apps - 1 goal)

The former Holland international may well have been worth another year at the KC Stadium following relegation but was released in the summer of 2010. He moved onto Greece for a year with Skoda Xanthi before his former Middlesbrough gaffer Steve McLaren signed him for Nottingham Forest. He made only a handful of appearances for Forest and despite being 37 now, has been playing for T-team in Malaysia where he was temporarily reunited with Caleb Folan.

Geovanni (60 apps - 11 goals)

The undisputed star of the “Premier League Years”, Geo scored the Tigers first top flight goal, scored more goals in the premier League than anyone else and remains the only Brazilian International to wear the black and amber. Cancelled his contract upon relegation and moved to San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS. Has since turned out for Vitoria and America in the Brazilian second division.

Ian Ashbee (31 apps - 1 goal)

Inspirationally captained City through four divisions. He was rightly awarded a new contract despite missing the entire second Premier League season through injury. Made a goal scoring return in a 2-0 opening day win over Swansea City in August 2010. That proved to be a false dawn and as Nigel Pearson re-shaped the team, Ash became the biggest victim of the clear out when he was allowed to join Phil Brown’s Preston North End. He couldn’t keep Preston in the Championship and having struggled with a knee injury, he retired the following season. Now works for Blowers Jewellers in Hull and cycles a lot.

Ibrahima Sonko (9 apps - 0 goals)

Signed on loan from Stoke City in August 2009 with the unenviable task of replacing Michael Turner. He made a shaky start to his City career and following a humiliating drubbing at Anfield, Phil Brown dumped him in the reserves. He showed a lot of character when called upon to return to the team later in the season (we were desperate) and refused to criticize Brown for his treatment. He spent the following season on loan at Ipswich before Stoke released him. He’s now with Akhisar Belediyespor in Turkey and helped them retain their top flight status in their first ever season in Super Lig.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (31 apps - 3 goals)

Hessle Road’s finest export almost called an end to his career after his City contract expired. Presumably feeling that nothing could top the experience of wearing the black and amber. Ahem. Instead he had an injury hit spell at Rapid Vienna and a swansong at PSV before retiring in 2012.

Jimmy Bullard (15 apps - 4 goals)

You know this one. He’s at the bank. He laughed all the way there.

Jozy Altidore (28 apps - 1 goal)

Took a time to settle in England but was showing some promise when he ended his only season at the KC prematurely by nutting Alan Hutton. He was then loaned out again by Villareal, to Bursaspor in Turkey but it didn’t quite work out. Has since gone onto fulfill his promise with a goal-laden spell in Holland with AZ Alkmaar and recently ended an international goal drought by scoring in four successive games for the USA. Linked with a multi-million pound move back to England.

Kamel Ghilas (13 apps - 1 goal)

Signed by Chairman Paul Duffen for an over-inflated price after some impressive performances on YouTube. Scored his only Tigers goal, a winning goal at that, against Bolton and spent the next two years “not being given a chance” while coincidentally displaying a crap attitude and being rubbish in every reserve appearance. Was palmed off to Arles and Reims in the French Ligue 2, scoring a few goals at the latter and earning a permanent move. He had a decent season as they won promotion to the top flight but did little to help them stay up.

Kamil Zayatte (55 apps - 3 goals)

Despite being the king of the stupid own goal, Zayatte had enough about him to leave a reasonable impression in the midst of The Tigers relegation. It was felt that whatever we lacked for our assault on the Championship in 2010/11, at least we had a solid defensive pairing of Zayatte and Gardner. That thought was dismissed in stunning fashion as The Tigers were dismantled on consecutive Saturdays by the might of Millwall and Donny Rovers. A move to Leicester fell through before Zayatte was allowed to return to France in January 2011 on “compassionate grounds”. Presumably due to the death of a Turkish relative because a week later, he signed for Konyaspor in Turkey. They were relegated from Super Lig (a coincidence) and he moved on to Istanbul BB. Also turned out in the African Nations Cup of 2012 for Guinea.

Kevin Kilbane (37 apps - 1 goal)

A £500,000 panic buy by Phil Brown in January 2009, “Killer” earned a lot of respect from the City fans in the summer of 2010 when, with the club in grave financial difficultly, he split his £26,000 a week wage in half over two seasons to save the club money in the short term. The fact that players of Kilbane’s ability were being offered £26,000 a week wages had nothing to do with those financial troubles. Honest. Despite being a thoroughly nice chap and a great pro, he had a stinker of a time at the KC and after loan spells with Huddersfield and Derby, he left for Coventry City when his contract expired. He retired after a few months at the Ricoh Arena and is currently working for the BBC as a colourless commentator.

Liam Cooper (2 apps - 0 goals)

Homegrown central defender suffered a baptism of fire in the Premier League when Phil Brown threw him into the team at Anfield way before he was ready and City were hammered 6-1. No worries though, it was all Sonko’s fault. After relegation, Nigel Pearson never really showed any faith in Coops and he went on loan to Carlisle and Huddersfield. He made a few appearances under Nick Barmby and while Barmby’s sacking and Steve Bruce’s appointment has proven to be good for the football club, it wasn’t good for the younger players. Bruce moved him out to Chesterfield on loan and he made a permanent move for a small fee in January 2013. He will develop with regular football and I’m sure he’ll climb back up the football league ladder.

Manucho (13 apps - 2 goals)

After searching high and low for a striker in the 2009 January transfer window, Phil Brown limbo danced his way into the Man Utd reserve squad and found Manucho. He made 13 unspectacular appearances which brought one highlight. In the 93^rd minute of a pulsating game at Craven Cottage, most of which they’d spent pummeling us, Richard Garcia picked up the ball on halfway, beat most the defence, dug out a ridiculously good cross and Manucho tapped in from an inch out. Man Utd sold him on to Valladolid in Spain where he started brightly enough and starred for Angola in a couple of Nations Cup campaigns. He’s since spent time on loan in Turkey with those household names Bucaspor and Manisaspor with little success.

Mark Cullen (3 apps - 1 goal)

Another homegrown player who had a flirt with the City first team towards the end of the Premier League adventure and scored what remains the Tigers last top flight goal in a 2-2 draw at Wigan. Has since failed to live up to that early hype, has never looked like breaking through at City and has had spells on loan Bradford, Bury (twice) and Stockport without impressing. Was released by The Tigers this summer and signed a two year deal at Luton. Needs stability, regular football and the chance to gather momentum in front of goal so this should be a good move for him.

Marlon King (20 apps - 5 goals)

Promising loan spell at City ended when lazy performances on the pitch were capped by a sexual assault allegation off it (obviously). Moved on loan to Middlesbrough before being transferred from Wigan Athletic to Her Majesty’s pleasure.  On his released Coventry City gave him a fifth chance in football and he returned the favour with a near 1 in 2 goalscoring ratio. As a thank you for their help, he turned down a new contract and buggered off to Birmingham. He’s continued to score goals but his high wages mean Blues are desperate to get shot of him. He’s been linked (without credence) with a move back here. Over his dead body.

Matt Duke (21 apps - 0 goals)

Long serving, often reserve Goalkeeper enjoyed a much deserved moment in the spotlight after overcoming testicular cancer. Oddly he made more league appearances in each Premier League season than he had in the previous four seasons combined at the lower levels. Having finally established himself as the number one following Myhill’s departure, he failed to convince Nigel Pearson that he was the long-term option and was released at the end of the 2010/11 season. He moved onto Bradford City on a two year contract. He spent half of the first year on loan at Northampton but established himself during the second season and was the star of a remarkable run to the League Cup Final. A feat unmatched by any bottom division side in the modern era. Duke played in the final at Wembley but was sent off as Bradford were thumped 5-0 by Swansea City. They would go on to win promotion in the League Two Play-off final at Wembley but Duke had lost his place by that point. Moved on to Northampton Town this summer.

Michael Turner (42 apps - 4 goals)

Gangly centre half whose Hull City career turned around in spectacular fashion under Phil Brown. When Brown took over from Phil Parkinson, Turner was heading for the clearance bin. Under Brown, he blossomed into arguably the best centre half in the club’s history and was on the verge of an England call-up. Admired by Liverpool, he was eventually sold to Sunderland for 4p in 2009 to help pay the wage bill as the excesses of Duffen and Bartlett cast a dark cloud over the KC Stadium. He never really developed at Sunderland under their useless Geordie manager Steve Bruce and moved on to Norwich City last summer. A few of his early performances were woeful but he settled down and formed a fine partnership with Sebastien Bassong.

Nathan Doyle (3 apps - 0 goals)

Another hero of Bradford City’s run to the 2013 League Cup Final. Doyle was signed by Phil Brown as “one for the future” of the football club but the club hit unchartered heights unexpectedly and he was left behind. On his release he moved on to Barnsley where his only point of note was an arrest on suspicion of possessing cocaine. He had a loan spell at Preston (managed by Phil Brown) and then joined Bradford City on a free transfer. He played a big part not only in the League Cup run but in Bradford’s eventual promotion.

Nick Barmby (41 apps - 1 goal)

If anyone had told you in 2004 when Nick Barmby came “home” to see out his playing days at his home town club (freshly promoted form the bottom tier) that four years later he’d make 41 appearances for Hull City in the Premier League, you would have called in the men in white coats. Nick eventually became manager of the club in 2012 before being sacked in ridiculous circumstances a few months later. It appears the club has lost all contact with a wonderful servant who should have been part of the setup for years to come, which is a real crying shame. Hopefully the relationship will be repaired one day. In the meantime we should remember the man whose last act as a City player was to fire a winning goal against Cardiff City in the Championship which, in any other circumstances, would have been a fitting end to a glittering playing career.

Paul McShane (44 apps - 1 goal)

The only surviving member of the first Premier League season in the Tigers squad. McShane played the first half of that season on loan from Sunderland and impressed everyone but when he returned on a permanent deal for the 2009/10 season as part of the swindle that took Michael Turner to Sunderland, he was rather less effective. After The Tigers slipped out of the Premier League, his large wage became a burden and getting rid of him was high on the priority list. However, despite spending time on loan at Barnsley and Crystal Palace, he remained a City player and under Steve Bruce became a key figure in a promotion push and a real fan’s favourite. Remarkably, the contract that everyone had spent years counting down was extended with the terraces insisting “Don’t sell McShane”. The board listened. Egyptians take threats of rioting seriously for some reason.

Peter Halmosi (18 apps - 0 goals)

Halmosi became the expensive equivalent of Ryan Williams when he was signed for £2.5m in the summer of 2008 having impressed several times while playing for Plymouth against The Tigers. His tricky wing-play, dangerous crossing and expertly taken set pieces went completely missing as the Hungarian with the flowing locks struggled to make any impression on the Premier League. His time in black and amber memorable only for John Motson butchering “Halmoshi” on Match Of The Day. He was packed off back to Hungary to join Szombathelyi Haladas on loan and when his contract was terminated, he signed for them permanently and there he remains.

Richard Garcia (41 apps - 1 goal)

The Australian winger was signed from Colchester United in June 2007 for a bargain £400k, one of several shrewd acquisitions made by Phil Brown that summer. Not a winger blessed with great pace or quick feet, he made up for it with strength, work rate, determination and know-how. A key figure in the promotion of 2007/08, he struggled in the Premier League especially when he pushed up front. It wasn’t his best role but he always did whatever he was asked. In 2010, he made history when he became the first player representing Hull City to play in the World Cup Finals. He struggled with two knee injuries for the rest of his City career, limiting his chances, and was released in 2012 when he was probably worth another contract. He moved back to Australia with Melbourne Heart but is currently readying his next move.

Ryan France (2 apps - 0 goals)

A £15k signing from Alfreton Town in 2003, France would play for Hull City in all four divisions, though he was never really good enough for the top level. He gave great service to the club and may well have played a bigger part had he not suffered a serious knee injury in 2007. He was released after the first season in the Premier League and signed for Sheffield United where his career was cut short by persistent knee problems. He was a late comer to the pro game as he chose to complete his degree which should hold him in good stead given the premature retirement.

Sam Ricketts (29 apps - 0 goals)

Arguably the Tigers best ever right-back, Ricketts was signed from Swansea for £300k by Phil Parkinson in the summer of 2006. He displayed the family’s horse racing pedigree whilst galloping up and down the right wing become a key figure in the Tigers side that avoided relegation from the Championship, won promotion at Wembley and then stayed in the Premier League against all odds in three consecutive seasons. He was then sold to Bolton Wanderers for £2m. Having fallen out of the Premier League with Bolton last summer, he’s since moved on to Wolves who themselves have been relegated in each of the last two seasons. Premier League to League One in 22 months is a mighty fall for both Sam and Wolves.

Seyi Olofinjana (19 apps - 1 goal)

Only the legend of Jimmy Bullard stops Olofinjana receiving more press as a colossal waste of what precious little money Hull City had in the summer of 2009. A £3m transfer fee and around £5.5m in wages collected over 4 years for less than 50 appearances in return is outrageous. In that time, we’ve paid for him to play on loan for Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday. Seyi is a thoroughly nice and intelligent chap but his once marauding midfield performances are long gone. At the very least Hull City can comfort themselves in the fact that a lot of the money paid to Olofinjana will make its way to his charity projects in his native Nigeria as opposed to disappearing into the till  at the Weir Bar!

Stephen Hunt (27 apps - 6 goals)

One of the few shining lights in the second Premier League season, Hunt was signed for £3.5m from Reading and became a firm favourite with his energetic, all-action displays, fine set piece delivery and eye for goal. His injury ¾ of the way through the season ended any feint survival hopes. We recouped a large chunk of the fee when he moved on to Wolves in 2010. There he was relegated from the Premier League for the third time in four years, missed most of their second relegation season through injury and was released this summer. He’s about to turn 32 and looking for a new club. Perhaps he could join his brother at L**ds?

Steven Mouyokolo (21 apps - 1 goal)

Tall centre half whose City story is similar to that of Hunt. Joined for a surprisingly high £1.8m from Boulogne in the French second division (in the time before French second division clubs spent £50m on international superstars) and produced some impressive performances despite relegation. Wolves gave us our money back and as they went down the toilet, he was released after a spell on loan at Sochaux. Recently joined Celtic on a one year deal.

Stylianos Giannakopoulos (2 apps - 0 goals)

Probably the most pointless signing in the clubs history. A star of Greece’s 2004 European Championship squad, he was signed only on the strength of his relationship with Phil Brown at Bolton and not because he offered anything the team needed. He made 2 sub appearances in the league and played a cup game before being released. Currently chairs the Greek PFA.

Tom Cairney (11 apps - 1 goal)

The only other member of the current Hull City squad who has played for the club in the Premier League. Cairney broke through in 2009/10 with some superb performances alongside George Boateng in the midfield and was expected to carry the team in the Championship following relegation. He has never really progressed and much of his obvious talent remains untapped. He didn’t make a single league start in 2012/13 and with one year on his contract left, he has plenty to do to remain part of the club.

Tony Warner (0 apps - 0 goals)

A career back-up Goalkeeper, the Trinidad and Tobago international was signed by Phil Brown to provide cover for Duke and Myhill in the Premier League. His only appearances came in cup competitions. Since being released by The Tigers he’s been at Charlton, Leeds, Scunthorpe, Tranmere, Wellington Phoenix in the Australian A-League and is currently at Floriana in Malta. Have gloves, will travel.

Wayne Brown (1 apps - 0 goals)

His Hull City career lasted one season and one game. A fine signing by Phil Brown from Colchester United in 2007 for £450k, he provided a calming influence alongside Michael Turner and wrote his name into Hull City folklore with a heroic performance at Wembley in the 2008 Championship Play-Off Final. Fears that he may lack the pace to play in the Premier League had some foundation and on his one and only Premier League start for the club, Wigan Athletic ripped us to pieces, 5-0, at the KC Stadium. Brown moved on loan to Preston and then Leicester whom he eventually joined for a fee after helping them win promotion from League One. He was the centre of a scandal at Leicester after he admitted (“joked”) that he’d voted for the BNP in the General Election. He left for Preston North End but struggled with injuries and failed to find form before being released. His last listed club is non-league Bury Town. He’s now retired.

Will Atkinson (2 apps - 1 goal)

Wiry Winger who came through The Tigers youth setup and, like Mark Cullen, scored at Wigan in the penultimate Premier League fixture. Never threatened to make the grade thereafter and after loan spells with Rotherham, Rochdale, Plymouth and Bradford, he signed permanently for the Bantams in 2012. He played a part in League cup wins over Arsenal and Aston Villa and played twice at Wembley in League Cup and Play-Off Finals (with mixed results). He left Bradford this summer to join his old boss Phil Brown at Southend United.

Tigers Squad Review 2013 - Forwards

2012/13 report

The Hull City forward line. A cause of concern and debate for the past three seasons. For all the good football we've played and for all the chances we've created, we haven't scored the goals we should have. We've scored enough (just) but aside from Matt Fryatt's near 1 in every 2 starts and Robert Koren's 8 or 9 from midfield, we just haven't had players who threaten the net enough. Fryatt missed almost the entire season this time with an achilles injury. The few games he did manage were irrelevant, he was nowhere near fit. His absence initially left The Tigers with three "natural" front players. Nick Proschwitz, the German signed for big money from Paderborn in the summer, looked to be the big front player we'd been desperate for since we dropped out of the Premier League. He never really settled though and struggled to impose himself in games. He wasn't quick enough, wasn't strong enough wasn't brave enough and wasn't good enough with his back to goal. He had some highlights. His late brace to see off Ipswich was crucial, his tremendous volley  at Leyton Orient in the FA Cup was the goal of the season and he nicked an equaliser against Cardiff on the final day that was, quite simply, priceless. Aaron McLean started only a handful of games before leaving for a loan spell at Ipswich in January. He's a willing worker but lacks the quality around the box in the Championship. Jay Simpson was the other "striker" in the squad. He's a good player, has decent feet, under-rated strength, intelligent movement and an eye for a pass. Outside the box, he brings a lot to the side but he doesn't have a strikers instinct and is erratic in front of goal. His heading is occasionally brilliant but often weak and his first touch is either sublime or ridiculous. He was often left out because he wasn't scoring goals but work his way back in because he was a good foil for others.

Frustrated with the efforts of his supposed strikers, Steve Bruce turned often to Sone Aluko and Robert Koren to play up or off the front in the first half of the season. Aluko was a revelation. He's got incredible balance and is able to evade challenges while stumbling or turn a defender while facing the wrong way. He's a really exciting player, the sort people pay to see and as a free signing from Rangers, was one of the bargains of the summer. Had he played the whole season, he'd have been in contention for Championship player of the season, he'd have got close to 20 goals and we'd have been promoted in March. Probably. As it was, his season was cut short in January by another achilles injury and he proved difficult to replace. Koren fell just short of double figures for the third season in a row. His impact wasn't quite so spectacular, probably as a result of having better players all around him.

With goals proving hard to come by despite the Tigers lofty league position and Bruce frustrated by fruitless pursuits of two muppets called Campbell in the January window, we instead took a chance on a previously unknown Egyptian called Gedo. Unknown in Europe that is, Gedo had a strong reputation in Africa having enjoyed Nations Cup success with his national team. He'd make a spectacular entry into English football. After a nondescript debut as a substitute at Brighton, he scored 5 goals in his next 5 games, all at the KC Stadium. He went off the boil a little thereafter, City losing the next 4 games he was involved in, with a foot injury being the probable reason for the loss of form. A final dip into the transfer market saw the arrival of George Boyd from Peterborough, initially on loan but with an agreement in place to sign permanently in the summer. He also settled quickly, used mainly as a front player, and scored 4 times in his first 6 appearances including a strike in the first minute of his home debut and a fantastic and vital winning goal at Huddersfield. He then faded as the long season took it's toll on the Tigers squad and ended the season with a whimper. In fact, his record of 4 win in 13 appearances isn't at all impressive. It's a wonder we got promoted at all!

The Future

Jay Simpson will not be retained when his contract expires at the end of June and neither will youth product Mark Cullen, who has never really hit the heights he first threatened to. I don't think Bruce will pursue the permanent signing of Gedo and I have a feeling Nick Proschwitz may well return to Germany if we can find a buyer. Aaron McLean will also be allowed to move on, I'm sure. A fit Sone Aluko and Matt Fryatt will provide a boost in pre-season, Aluko especially if I'm honest. However it has to be said that without doubt, we must find a goal scorer. Because of our tight defence, we've gotten away with profligacy time and again but we can't realistically expect to do so in the top flight. Good teams will punish you far too often for missing chances. We need at least two strikers, perhaps even three if a clear out ensues.

We've already been linked with moves for Jordan Rhodes of Blackburn, who we surely can't afford, and Burnley's Charlie Austin. Both are good finishers who deserve a crack at the big league. I wouldn't turn down either.

Five to consider

Peter Odemwingie (West Brom) - A real figure of fun after his ridiculous antics in the January transfer window. This overshadows the fact that he's a very good front player with a decent record in the Premier League. He has pace to burn, he occupies and worries defences, he has good technical ability and that eye for a goal. He comes with baggage and probably a bit of a sideshow but he's a proven commodity at a bargain price.

Luchiano Becchio (Norwich) - It hasn't happened at all for him since he left Leeds for Norwich in January. We were interested then but couldn't compete realistically. Norwich may well cut their losses with the imminent arrival of the wonderfully named Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and we could be at the head of the queue. Becchio is a strong front player, a big threat in the air and decent finisher. If we set up again to get crosses into the box, he'd thrive on that.

Dwight Gayle (Peterborough) - January signing for the Posh from Dagenham and Redbridge. He made an immediate impact in the Championship with his quick movement and his composed finishing. He's a nippy front player who plays off the shoulder and continues to improve at a rapid rate. Rumoured to be a target for Aston Villa.

Marlon King (Birmingham) - Just kidding.

Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff) - Kidding again! Sorry.

Adam Le Fondre (Reading) - An absolute born goalscorer. He just has the knack, the intangible that you can't really teach. He's a "right place, right time" sort of player. His all-round game isn't great, though t is improving. He's not going to win the ball in the air, pull down long balls and bring people into play but if you put the ball in good areas, he'll score goals. His asking price could be high if there is sufficient interest in him but as neither of his last two managers have shown the faith in him to be a Prmeier Legae striker week in, week out, he could be tempted.

Darren Bent (Aston Villa) - I'll admit, I don't see this one. He's on something like £80,000 a week and Villa want to recoup a decent amount of the £24m they paid for him. He'd have to take a 50% pay-cut to become the second highest paid player in our history. He's also been less than complimentary about us in his past! I'll add that I'm not a massive fan of him at the top level. I've never thought he had the all-round game to play for England or in a top four team. What's indisputable though is that with his pace and his finishing ability, when he's part of a team that's set up for him, he's a goal scorer. He has history with Steve Bruce and he needs a home and we need a goal scorer. So it fits. But it's 5% likely I think and that's being generous.

Tigers Squad Review 2013 - Midfielders

2012/13 report

The area of the team that evolved the most over the course of the season. We started with a four man midfield for the opening couple of games but for the most part, we'd play a three with two wing backs thereafter. We also started with Robert Koren and Sone Aluko as part of the midfield but they were generally considered for the front line afterwards, while four of the regular five in midfield arrived (and departed) throughout the season.

Steve Bruce was always looking to get more "beef" in midfield. It was obvious from the start he thought we were too small and lacked strength in that department. Despite playing a big part the previous season and starting this, Paul McKenna was swiftly cast aside. If Bruce felt he lacked the bite and size he wanted, the stupid red card at Doncaster and resulting three match ban didn't endear him to the manager either. He played sporadically after that and was sent to Fleetwood on loan. Corry Evans was another vertically challenged player who struggled to hold down a regular place. Unlike McKenna, Evans has the mobility to make up for it but despite his generally stellar performances, he was often left out for someone a bit bigger or nastier. He had a dip in form in the new year (put down to coping with having a new baby by the manager) but was always a key part of the midfield when we played well. The manager attempted to get some of the height he craved in the team by calling on forgotten man Seyi Olofinjana. Like Paul McShane, Olofinjana was in the last year of a lucrative contract and had been cast aside by previous managers. Bruce eventually found out why. While capable of the odd strong performance, moving the ball around midfield, Oily is generally a passenger. He's forgotten how to tackle and track runners and he's got no idea what that big white rectangle thing at the end of the pitch is for. He ended the season at Sheffield Wednesday on loan. Cameron Stewart started on the opening day against Brighton; his only league start of the season. He took in loan spells at Burnley and Blackburn and didn't play there either. Tom Cairney didn't manage a single league start despite being praised for his conditioning on his comeback from injury. Youngster Dougie Wilson broke into the first team reckoning for the early rounds of the FA Cup and then went to Grimsby to get a bit of experience. Ahmed Fathi came in with Gedo in January but never made a break through. His big chance came against Wolves when he started the game, played very well and then gifted them the ball to score the winning goal.

On the final day of the summer transfer window, Bruce picked up Ahmed "Elmo" Elmohamady on loan from Sunderland and stole Stephen Quinn from Sheffield United for a fee maxing out at £100,000. Their first three games for the Tigers were the 3-1 win over Bolton, 4-1 drubbing of Millwall and the 3-2 win at Elland Road. I wonder if any player has ever had such success in his first three appearances? Quinn was a revelation in midfield. A busy, biting figure with a shock of ginger hair. He works incredibly hard but it's never wasted effort, it always has a purpose, be it covering his full back at one end or arriving in the box with a beautifully timed run at the other. He made a massive difference to our game. As did Elmo who became the regular right wing-back. His impact became obvious in January when he was recalled for a spell by Sunderland. Even a full back as good as Liam Rosenior couldn't fill his boots at wing-back. We missed Elmo's drive, his strength and particularly his ability to dig out a cross from anywhere in the attacking third. A season of marauding from goal-line to goal-line eventually took its toll on him but his contribution, regardless, was massive.

In November, Bruce completed his midfield. Firstly Robbie Brady arrived on loan from Manchester United to cover the injury to left back Joe Dudgeon. Brady spent the previous season on loan with us and while he had obvious ability, he could also be incredibly wasteful, making terrible decisions around the box. He'd shoot when he should pass (and not score) and try and beat a man when he could get a cross in (and lose the ball). I'll be honest, I didn't see him as a left back (or even wing back) in a million years. He'd prove that to be very wrong. He's not perfect, he still combines wrong decisions with over hit crosses and woeful set pieces but the ratio of good to bad is much higher. Defensively he was rarely found wanting and he provided his fair share of goals and assists. When the threat of a promotion rival pinching him in January became apparent, the club shelled out £2.5m to sign him permanently. He paid that off in one afternoon with a magnificent performance in the final day shoot-out with Cardiff. The other November addition was Sunderland midfielder David Meyler. He has a lot of the aggression and size that Steve Bruce had craved since day one. His initial loan move was also turned into a permanent deal in January for a similar fee to that spent on Brady. It also proved good business as he stiffened us up, linked well with Elmohamady and chipped in with five goals. His passing can be erratic and what he brings isn't always appreciated but when he was absent through suspension late in the season, we missed him big time.

The Future

Midfield looks to be our strongest area, squad wise. When you add-in forwards Boyd, Koren and Aluko, we have a fair number of options. Bruce would probably still like a big defensive midfielder and will have to replace Elmohamady, either as a wing back or a right winger. He'd probably like to buy Elmohamady but will be keeping his options open.

It's the end of the line for McKenna, Olofinjana and probably youngster Danny Emerton, who are all out of contract. Cameron Stewart has no future here either. I'd also be surprised if we pursue a permanent deal for Fathi. An interesting case is that of Tom Cairney. He has obvious ability and performed well in the Premier League last time but has never really taken on the Championship. I wouldn't be shocked if he was sold. Nor would I be completely stunned if Corry Evans moved on. I'd be disappointed but I've never felt like Steve Bruce really rates him.

Five to consider

Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace) - This guy needs to be playing Premier League football next season, regardless of whether Palace win the Play-off final. He's a big presence in midfield, he's good in the air, solid in the tackle and can play a bit too. He's probably the sort of leader we've been missing for a good couple of seasons. Real captain material.

 Liam Bridcutt (Brighton) - Terrific little defensive midfield player, a product of Chelsea's youth system. He breaks up play incredibly well and launches attacks from the back. He's comfortable on either foot, quick over the ground and switches play with accurate long passes. His height would possibly put Steve Bruce off and his price tag may well be prohibitive too. If he was our player, I'd be wanting £3m for him, minimum.

Rodolph Austin (Leeds) - Jamaican international brought to Leeds last summer by Neil Warnock. Stoke tried to sign him during our original sojourn into the Premier League but couldn't get a work permit. He's a hulking defensive midfielder who loves a tackle and has a decent shot on him. Can cross the line between committed and undisciplined so is a risk but is a good athlete and a commanding presence.

Bakary Sako (Wolves) - The one bright spot in an awful season for Wolves as they escaped the Championship at the first time of asking, but through the wrong door. A lightening quick winger with tricky feet and a real eye for goal. He's capable of delivering good crosses. He's had a good footballing education, he's only 25 and has a season in England under his belt. Well worth a look.

Luke Murphy (Crewe) - The latest star off the Gresty Road production line. 23 year old central midfielder already approaching 200 career appearances. Tidy, mobile, often inventive and with an eye for goal. He's going to get a big move soon and it would be nice to see City use a rare position of strength to snap up a genuinely brilliant prospect.

Tigers Squad Review 2013 - Defenders

2012/13 report

I don’t know when Steve Bruce came up with the idea of playing three centre halves, whether it was always his intention or something he fell into but one of the first things he did last summer was increase his stock of centre halves. Following Jack Hobbs injury the previous season, Nick Barmby had been forced to use Liam Cooper and Sonny Bradley in the centre of defence. Bruce wasn’t planning to do the same. With the two young lads out of the equation and only a useless ginger Irishman as backup, Bruce had to find help for James Chester. Chester, our crown jewel, had another fine season. Whether in a back three or four, he’s always the same. Composed, assured and confident, capable of bringing the ball out of defence and launching an attack. He’s quick over the ground and strong in the air for one so, relatively, small. He generally times his tackles beautifully though it does go spectacularly wrong occasionally. There are areas where he’s still learning, he gets too tight at times and has to concede fouls and he can get over confident with the ball at his feet. Bruce strengthened the back line with the popular signing of Abdoulaye Faye and the less popular signing of his son, Alex Bruce. Faye produced what most thought he would. He was rock-like at the back. He proved valuable in the air in both boxes and calmed everyone with his vast experience. At times his age caught up with him and he had to be rested or picked up niggling injuries. Because of the competition, this often meant missing numerous games until his chance came again which must have been deeply frustrating. At the crucial point of the season, when fatigue and expectation overcame most players, he produced his best performances of the season, proving himself a big game player.

Alex Bruce suffered from the “nepotism” tag when he joined. His reputation was also damaged by having been part of the habitually pathetic Leeds United defence prior to joining. His performances in black and amber made a mockery of it all. He barely put a foot wrong when called upon to play in defence. Even when asked to play in midfield to provide a bit of bite, he gave it everything and played his part in two vital away wins at Millwall and Burnley. He’s not technically gifted but he’s got bottle and determination by the lorry load. Speaking of which, Jack Hobbs returned in December, having suffered a serious knee injury 8 months prior, and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat. He settled back in quickly and produced the same consistent level of performance as he had before the injury, even though the Tigers were now playing a back three. He’d obviously been taking everything in whilst sitting on the sidelines.

It was fortunate for Steve Bruce that he had five centre halves available to him because Chester apart, they all suffered injuries at one time or another throughout the season. Whenever one went out, someone else came in and did a good job. The most surprising of those was the aforementioned useless ginger Irishman. Paul McShane's Hull City career was going nowhere in September. He was counting down the days until his contract ended and he could go elsewhere. The fans were counting down the days until we didn't have to pay him anymore. Then he played. And he was good. And he played again. And he was good again. Game by game he turned everyone around. To the point where there'd be disappointment on the terraces if he was missing and fans were demanding he be offered a new contract. And then he recovered from a season ending injury in about 5 minutes and scored the goal that won promotion. Redemption.

It' difficult to judge the Tigers full backs this season. Joe Dudgeon was a fixture at left back early on and looked much improved before his season was cruelly ended by injury. The always reliable Liam Rosenior was sidelined by the wing back system and the form of Elmohamady. Andy Dawson rarely featured in his testimonial season, a sad end to a "hall of fame" career for Daws at Hull City.

The Future

Several defensive players are out of contract this summer. Youngsters Danny East and Sonny Bradley have already moved on to Portsmouth with new contracts not being offered. Andy Dawson looks set to see his time at the club come to an end. Liam Rosenior should be offered a new contract, we won't find a more committed and versatile defender for free. Paul McShane will definitely be offered a new deal too. Abdoulaye Faye has triggered another year due to his appearances last season.

James Chester had another year on his contract but the club are desperate to have him extend it, for obvious reasons. He looks to be our one genuine Premier League quality defender. Faye obviously has been in the past but I wouldn't want to have to rely on him most weeks given his lack of pace. Alex Bruce, as good as he was last season, isn't a Premier League defender. Jack Hobbs has a way to go before he is too. And this may not be popular but I don't think Paul McShane is good enough either. It's been great to see his recovery and he deserves a new contract and another shot at it but he's still not quick enough or big enough. Hopefully the rashness has gone with added experience.

I'd be surprised if we take the 3-5-2 system into the Premier League. Regardless, I think we need at least one top class centre half and competition at full back on both sides.

Five to consider

Curtis Davies (Birmingham) - Davies has already been linked with The Tigers. If he's the sort of player Steve Bruce is looking at, it justifies everyone's faith in Bruce as the man to take us forward. Davies has always had the size and athleticism to be an impressive centre back but has shown the maturity and knowledge of the position in the last few years. There'll be strong competition for him, from his old boss Chris Hughton at Norwich for starters, but he'd be a very astute signing.

Maynor Figueroa (Wigan) – I'm surprised this link hasn't appeared in the national press yet, it's such a good fit. Figueroa was brought to England by Steve Bruce. He can play as a left back or as a left sided centre half in a back three. He's got good size, pace and strength, he attacks well and he's capabale of the odd spectacular strike on goal. I'm unsure of his availability after Wigan's relegation but he'd be a fine addition to a young, hungry squad.

Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough) – This is a questionable one, I'll admit. Williams was building a terrific career for himself, progressing from the youth setup at Boro to become club captain and attracting interest from some top sides. He then suffered an injury in 2012 and has never recovered his previous form. Because of that, his asking price will be significantly lower and the competition for his signature less stiff. It'd be a gamble but he's a fine player and with a fresh start and a good pre-season, he'd be a useful addition, fitness permitting. He's versatile, mobile and only 24 years old.

Craig Dawson (West Brom) - England U21 international and Great British Olympian who signed for WBA in 2010 but has never quite made a place his own. Enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Bolton and proved his worth at both ends by scoring twice against the Tigers on one particularly miserable afternoon at the Reebok Stadium. He's still only 23 and will improve with regular football.

Matthew Upson (Stoke) – Ex-England international who has spent the last two season in the career graveyard known as the Britannia Stadium. Has recently enjoyed a loan spell at Brighton where he's found some of his old form. He may be 34 but he's still fit enough to play at least another year at a decent level. He's a left sided centre half who'd give good balance, he can play out from the back and he doesn't mind a battle. He's available for free this summer. He wouldn't be first on my list but he'd be a decent Plan B.

Tigers Squad Review 2013 - Goalkeepers

2012/13 report

The Tigers used four goalkeepers throughout the league season while 18 year old Joe Cracknell, who has just signed his first pro contract, had to sit on the bench for the three FA cup ties. On-loan Manchester United ‘keeper Ben Amos started the season as Steve Bruce’s preferred number one. Having another loanee between the sticks was far from ideal but the England U21 international came with a good reputation. He settled well but mistakes crept into his game, small ones at first but they lead to howlers against Bristol City (away) and Blackpool (home) that shattered his confidence and Bruce lost faith in him. Amos returned to Manchester United before Christmas and was replaced by another loanee, Fulham’s David Stockdale. The big former-Darlo stopper made solid impression on most City fans and his confidence helped the defence recover their composure and he played a part in wins at Forest and Watford. Stockdale was recalled from his loan in December forcing Bruce to turn to free signing Eldin Jakupovic. The Bosnian also started well enough, despite looking shaky under crosses, but met a similar fate to Amos as his season imploded in spectacular fashion against Sheffield Wednesday at the KC Stadium. Robert Koren had just equalised for The Tigers when Jakupovic threw a harmless looking corner into his own goal. He was then injured in trying to recover the ball and left the field on a stretcher. That led to a City debut for Mark Oxley. He was signed from Rotherham in the glorious summer of 2008, one of the few promising players picked up while City enjoyed a rare position of strength, but had only managed unused sub appearances prior to this cameo. Bruce had to act following Jakupovic’s career suicide and was able to bring Stockdale back from Fulham for the rest of the season. That proved crucial in the run-in. Stockdale wasn’t flawless, he’s capable of dropping a cross or punching poorly, but he’s decisive and he’s brave enough to come for the next cross after dropping one. He was a steady influence on the defence when it mattered.

The Future

Loanee Stockdale has returned to Fulham and despite Steve Bruce’s interest in signing him permanently, it appears that Fulham’s asking price (speculated to be £3-4m) will prove prohibitive. Jakupovic will never be anything more than a back-up, probably relegated to third choice over the summer. Oxley is one of a number of players out of contract. At 22, he’s perhaps worth holding onto for another year. However, if Steve Bruce and GK coach Gary Walsh don’t think he’s likely to trouble the first team, he’ll be on his way. A first choice, permanent goalkeeper is number one on the priority list this summer.

Five to consider

Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester) – The son of Manchester United and Denmark great, Peter, Schmeichel is well known to and admired by City fans having impressed in the nets for Leeds and Leicester in opposition in the past few years. He’s confident and agile, lightening quick off his line and has excellent reactions. Not being the biggest, he can be troubled by crosses and his distribution isn’t the best. Leicester paid around £2m to take him from Leeds and will at least want their money back. At 26, he’s a good age and is desperate to play in the Premier League.

Simon Moore (Brentford) – The 22-year old has earned rave reviews starring for play-off finalists Brentford. He’s been a regular in the League One side for the past couple of seasons having been plucked from non-league Farnborough. He’s tall and agile and exudes confidence for one so young. He’s nowhere near the finished article and unlikely to be a Tigers number one but he is someone the club have had watched.

Shay Given (Aston Villa) – Experienced, international ‘keeper who at 37 has spent a season on the bench at Villa, watching ex-Tiger loanee Brad Guzan establish himself as number one. Manchester City paid £6m for Given four years ago but a similar fate befell him there as Joe Hart took over. He’d be an  ideal signing for a lower half Premier league team. He has bags and bags of experience having clocked up 400 appearances for Newcastle and 125 international caps. He’s a terrific shot stopper and while his height means he won’t wade into a crowded box and take crosses, it’s not held him back. Will surely be allowed to leave Villa Park for free despite having 3 years left on his contract.

Vito Mannone (Arsenal) – Another well known figure amongst City fans having spent two spells on loan at the KC. Had Nick Barmby stayed on as manager last summer, Vito would have been his number one summer target. He may not be on Steve Bruce’s radar however. He should be though, he’s a solid keeper, he’s vocal and he has terrific distribution. He’s coming to an age now where he needs to play first team football. His career is passing him by at Arsenal. Should be valued at around £1.5m.

Boaz Myhill (West Brom) – Why? He’s Boaz Myhill.