Impressive: Tom Huddlestone has sparkled in his first season in the Hull City midfield
Today, we come to you from the KC Stadium in Hull, where we will summarise Hull’s first season back in the Premier League. Steve Bruce, who took over two years ago, has been hailed for securing a highest ever league finish, a maiden FA Cup final and European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
Final Position: 16th
Best Moment: The FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United was their moment in the national spotlight but the 3-1 win over Liverpool in December was a brilliant performance. Also to even make their first ever FA Cup Final was a great achievement.
Worst Moment: As a proud Geordie, Steve Bruce did not enjoy being thrashed 4-1 at home by Newcastle United in a game that will always be remembered for their manager, Alan Pardew, headbutting Hull midfielder David Meyler. Unfortunately, the Cup final defeat to Arsenal in extra-time will also be seen as painful.
Player of the Year: Tom Huddlestone (above). A victim of Tottenham’s ambitious recruitment drive in the summer, the midfielder sensibly decided he was at a stage of his career where he had to play regularly. He has made the most of it, pulling the strings from the middle of the pitch; and finally being able to shave that hair!
Transfers: 9/10. Bruce used all of his knowledge of what’s needed to succeed in the Premier League. Adding top-flight class and experience in the summer with Huddlestone and Jake Livermore and again in January with strikers Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic.
What’s needed? They must hope Newcastle do not ask Steve Bruce to become their manager, because he will find it very hard to reject, and avoid complacency. They will not surprise anyone next season and squad will need to be tweaked and improved, especially at the back if they are to survive another year.
The Verdict: Could not have worked out better for a newly-promoted side, gaining Premier League safety with almost a month to spare and reaching the FA Cup Final, which means Hull will be playing in Europe for the first time next season.
