PO
ERS CLUB
LL CITY O
L SUP
HU
CIA
RT
I FF
TIGERMAG HULL CITY OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS CLUB ISSUE NO. 44 - WINTER 2017
£2 WHERE SOLD
HULL 2017: We know what we are, we know what we are, City of Culture, we know what we are!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
THE THRILL OF THE FIGHT DON REVIE POWERCHAIR FOOTBALL FOLLOW THE LEADER BARCLAYS ASIA TROPHY CULTURE: IT’S HERE, IT’S THERE...
A WEALTH OF TALENT Ryan France on playing in all four divisions, family life and the transition from sportsman to financial advisor.
TIGERMAG IS SPONSORED BY: SEAGOLD & ICE FRESH SEAFOOD - SUPPLYING THE FISH TO YOUR CHIPS SINCE 1996.
TIGERMAG 2
www.hullcityosc.com
DIRECTORS & OFFICERS President Sir Tom Courtenay ....................................................................................... Honorary Vice President Tony Conway ....................................................................................... Chair chair@hullcityosc.co.uk ....................................................................................... Marketing & Sponsorship Kathryn Townsley marketing@hullcityosc.co.uk +44 (0) 7740 096054 ....................................................................................... Membership Co-ordinator membership@hullcityosc.co.uk ....................................................................................... Branch & Fans Liaison Melvyn Utley branchliaison@hullcityosc.co.uk +44(0) 7722 912750 ....................................................................................... Tiger Cubs, Junior & Player Events Fiona Colling tigercubs@hullcityosc.co.uk +44(0) 7595 372678 ....................................................................................... Finance Director John Barron finance@hullcityosc.co.uk ....................................................................................... Tigermag Editor Andy Moore tigermag@hullcityosc.co.uk ....................................................................................... Social Media Richard Uttley media@hullcityosc.co.uk .......................................................................................
CONTENTS
PAGE
WELCOME From Mario Silva
4
THE THRILL OF THE FIGHT
5
Can City Beat The Odds?
A WEALTH OF TALENT
8
Ryan France
REVIE OR NOT
12
Raich Carter’s Playmaking Protégé
HULL CITY LADIES F.C.
15
The Female of the Species
WHAT’S ALL THAT ABOUT?
16
Powerchair Football
TIGERS TRUST The Tiger Kicks International Project CULTURE: IT’S HERE, IT’S THERE...
18 19
Hull - UK City of Culture 2017
THE INNER CIRCLE
23
Hull City Executive Club
L SUP
24
YOUNG SPORTS JOURNO’
26
Follow The Leader
PO ERS CLUB
HU
FF
A ICI
RT
HCOSC @HCOSC_Official HCOSC_Official
LL CITY O
www.hullcityosc.com
MEMORY LANE The Barclays Asia Trophy
Hull City Official Supporters Club Ltd. KCOM Stadium, The Circle, Walton Street Kingston Upon Hull (UK) East Yorkshire HU3 6HU
AMBER TRAIL
30
Away-day Pubs
TIGEROPOLIS Cartoon Feature
33
MEMBERSHIP
36
Join H.C.O.S.C.
Cover photo courtesy of @premierleague TIGERMAG © Hull City Official Supporters Club (HCOSC) 2017 - Company No. 05006460. The views and opinions expressed within TIGERMAG are those of the individual contributors alone and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the HCOSC. HCOSC does not accept any liability for incorrect or inappropriate content but will do everything possible to ensure that accuracy and integrity is achieved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior agreement of HCOSC. HCOSC is the only supporters club officially recognised by Hull City AFC and Hull Tigers Ltd. Hull City AFC and Hull Tigers Ltd are not in any way responsible for the content of TIGERMAG.
Advertising: marketing@hullcityosc.co.uk Content: tigermag@hullcityosc.co.uk
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 3
A WARM OSC WELCOME From Marco Silva
Hello and welcome to issue 44 of TigerMag. I’d like to start by thanking you for all of your support since my appointment at the start of January. The backing myself, my staff and my players have received has been extremely good and I understand what a key role you will play in our season. At the time of writing I am looking back on a good start under my regime with two wins and a very good performance away at Manchester United in the EFL Cup. We have managed to bring in some new faces to the squad too and I hope we will be able to attract a few more before the window closes. We managed to move slightly up the table with the victory over Bournemouth recently and it is my only goal to make sure this club survives in the Premier League. There will without a doubt be difficult moments along the way and we now enter a run of fixtures when we come up against some of the best sides in world football.
It is important to embrace this challenge and take it game-by-game. We must remember that the most important challenge is the always the next game. The support you have given us in my opening few games at the club has been brilliant and I hope this will continue for the rest of the season. For sure we are stronger together and we need you to be with us right up to the final whistle of the season. We have a difficult challenge ahead of us but I believe in these players and I’m asking for you to believe too. Thank you very much for the support and I hope 2017 will be a successful one for everyone associated with the club.
Marco Silva
TIGERMAG 4
www.hullcityosc.com
THE THRILL OF THE FIGHT Can City beat the odds?
Languishing at the bottom of the Premier League as we pass the half way point of the 2016/17 season, does not bode well, according to the statistical experts and the pundits. In the words of Dad’s Army’s Private Fraser, “We’re doomed” or are we? The points do not lie; we are in the relegation fight. At the time of writing we have played 20 and have 13 points. We have of course been in the Premier League relegation zone before, but it’s worth remembering that that in itself is something we could only have dreamt of a just decade ago. Since then we’ve almost grown accustomed to the thrill of the Premier League relegation fight. The 2008-09 season Hull City are at the lofty height of 8th at the midway point. Who can forget the infamous Phil Brown Boxing Day halftime team talk and what felt like a massive loss, 5-1 at the hands of Manchester City. A drubbing that came off the back of a 4-1 defeat at home by Sunderland. All at a time when the average Hull City fan was still pinching themselves to see if the Tigers were really a Premier League team. It seemed that the side had peaked too early in that first promotion season. As other teams grew stronger we slowly moved down the league, right into the mouth of the relegation zone, it looked like the Phil Brown’s team talk pundits would be right after all, all had of course had Hull City favourites to go straight back down. Pompous conservative MP David Mellor, a Chelsea fan, wrote us off before pre-season had even begun.
“Once you cut through the inevitable sentimentality about a small club’s triumph, the truth is the Premier League as an internationally credible competition is damaged by such promotions”.
A statement he later apologised for after City beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates. City’s last game of the season and others elsewhere delivered survival. Newcastle with one single point less than us on the final day lifted City in to 17th position. Fans celebrated survival on the pitch. Damian Duff’s own goal had been enough to scrape us home and prove Mellor, and countless others wrong. Newcastle were joined by Middlesbrough and also by a side considered to be one of the archetypal members of the “yoyo” club, West Brom. One club that did survive that year in an impressive 14th place was Portsmouth. A club now torn apart financially, supporter owned and playing in League Two. The word ‘survival’ can mean many things. MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND PLAYERS • Geovanni’s world class goal in the 2-1 win against Arsenal • The Jimmy Bullard saga
www.hullcityosc.com
Geovanni, 2008
TIGERMAG 5
The 2009-10 Season Our second Premier League season saw us 19th at the midway point. The fixture computer seems to have a thing about us playing a Manchester team during the festive break, this time it was United, who stuck three past Boaz Myhill. One of them with help from Andy Dawson. The next 20 games would be hard fought, both on and off the pitch. The club’s chairman Paul Duffen resigned and was replaced in November by Adam Pearson. Around 45 professionals were signed to the club and yet results were disappointing.
Phil Brown was put on gardening leave and Iain Dowie came in as a ‘Football Management Consultant’starting with an away game at Portsmouth.
Iain Dowie
One win against Fulham (Bullard just had to score) and a 2-2 draw with Wigan in the penultimate match of the season left City needing more than a miracle on the last day against Liverpool. The Tigers were relegated along with Burnley and nine -points docked Portsmouth. MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND PLAYERS • Bullard’s playful Man City celebration • What a name: Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink • Tom Cairney’s goal against Everton Jimmy Bullard’s Celebration
The 2013-14 Season Was the 2013/14 season, the best time to be a Hull City supporter? How on earth did we lose to Arsenal? From a comfortable 10th place at the midway point, we fell down the table, winning only 2 and drawing 4 of our final 19 games. 16th, finishing one place above West Brom, was a nervous and tense end to a season.
The now traditional Manchester themed festive fixture was closely followed by a magnificent six nil win over Fulham.
FA Cup, 1930
Tenth place at the halfway point and we looked like we had little to really worry about. The arrival of Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore in the previous summer transfer window had provided a much needed, strengthening in mid-field. It felt like we just simply ran out of steam, the support was propped up by the FA cup run, but a finish 4 points above relegated Norwich did not really feel like the club’s highest ever league finish.
TIGERMAG 6
www.hullcityosc.com
MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND PLAYERS • The FA cup Final at Wembley • Beating Liverpool 3-1 (Luis Suarez included) • Tom Huddlestone’s hair cut goal The 2014-15 Season The new season brought great expectations. Off the back of being runners up in the FA Cup we had European football for the first time. A dream that was shattered in Lokeren and made worse at home. Although we lost, the OSC made Lokeren Fans some great friends in the form of the Yellow Brothers. Second season syndrome seemed to be hitting us hard, as did the congested fixture list. Excuses seemed to be easier to find than wins. From the start of November through to the midway point we only scored 6 goals in nine league games and the trend never stopped with 14 goals in the last 19 games. The Festive period brought us joy in the form of a much needed win against Sunderland, but was followed by a disappointing loss to Leicester. We will all remember Leicester’s season, rooted to the bottom, with only two wins and four draws. We played them in the 19th game of the season.
The Tigers looked down at the Foxes, most thought we were doomed. Odd things happen in football, Leicester finished in 14th place after a run which saw them collect 22 points out of a possible 30. For them Premier League status secured and for us relegation. MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND PLAYERS • Lokeren for the good and the bad • The FA Cup draw (Oh no not again!) • Andy Robertson, a breath of fresh air compared to Ben Artur The 2016-17 Season Troubled from the start, with a threadbare squad 2016/17 started poorly. Not enough players, not enough goals and heavy defeats. At just past the midway point, there does not seem to be much to cheer about after the initial couple of 2016 Shorthanded Pre-season weeks in which Phelan’s side managed those unlikely wins over champions Leicester (‘survival’ can mean many things) and Swansea. Often this season we have been privileged to see a team that has played with spirit and passion.
It hasn’t always gone to plan, as at Bournemouth, but we as supporters are on the same roller coaster as the players.
Sharing the frustration of losing games that we should and could have won. Steve Bruce has gone, so too Mike Phelan who did his best in tough circumstances and now we have Marco Silva who has stepped up to try his hand at beating the odds. Every match is now a relegation fight, a cup final of sorts, but it is a fight that players and supporters alike know well, and have emerged victorious from in previous seasons. MEMORABLE MOMENTS AND PLAYERS SO FAR • Beating the Champions 2-1 • Our first League Cup Semi Final • Beating the odds?
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 7
A WEALTH OF TALENT RYAN FRANCE
Interviewed by John Williams The former Alfreton Town, Hull City and Sheffield United winger on football, family and the transition from sportsman to financial advisor. JW. Your first team career started at Alfreton Town, which is just a few miles south of your home town, Sheffield. Do you have fond memories of your 200 games for Alfreton? RF. I have very fond memories of playing at Alfreton, the club served me very well really. It was right in between Sheffield (home) and Nottingham where I was studying at University. While I was there I managed to score a few goals playing out on the right wing. As for the chairman, I can’t thank him enough, he looked after me and I played under some good managers too. Chris Wilde he was the man who I felt took me to the next level and helped me get the chance to become a professional footballer. It really was fantastic at Alfreton and it fit in with my studies really well. JW. Studying whilst playing isn’t a particularly well-trodden path by professional footballers, was that important to you, or was it parental pressure with a view to you getting a proper job? RF. My parents never ever put me under any sort of pressure to become anything but me. This is something that I also stress to my children. I will be just happy if they are happy and to succeed. I have always had that drive to be successful at whatever I do but it has always been left to me to which ever path I went down. As a youngster I did want to become a footballer there was no question about that but at 16 years old Sheffield Wednesday let me go and I didn’t start growing until I was 18. But it was leaving Wednesday that made my decision for me to go to University really. I had always done well academically so then I went to college and then on the Nottingham University. Then just over two years into University I was offered a two year contract with Coventry which I turned down because I only had one more year of study left. If I had taken that offer I would not have got my degree or ended up at Hull City. JW. You were signed for Hull City by Peter Taylor. Taylor was popular with the fans but as a player how did you find him? RF. I loved him. I can’t thank Peter and Colin Murphy enough for giving me that initial opportunity to become a professional footballer and fulfil my lifelong dream. Initially I was just coming on as a sub on the right wing but by the end of my first season I was starting. I feel the management did it right, they nurtured me and brought me on the right way. The training sessions were really good too. I really enjoyed training with Peter Taylor. JW. Scoring on your debut in the 6 - 1 hammering of Kidderminster was the start every player dreams of then? RF. It was yes, I signed on a Tuesday, then trained but never expected to be in the squad. So when I was named in the 16 man squad that was enough for me. Obviously I knew I was going to be on the bench and then all of a sudden, half way through the second half, I was on. Having just seen Andy Dawson hammer one in from 35 yards I was thinking oh no, is this what you have to do to become a professional footballer because I can’t do that! However when I got on the pitch I felt that everything I touched in that game went exactly where I wanted it to go. There were no nerves and then all of a sudden I am going one way and the defender is going the other and I am sliding the ball into the back of the net from 6 yards out, with 16,000 Hull City fans cheering. What a debut, I couldn’t have asked for more!
TIGERMAG 8
www.hullcityosc.com
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 9
JW. Most players are just happy to be playing in the first team and will play wherever the manager says but where did you prefer to play? RF. I enjoyed playing the most on the right hand side of a midfield three if I am honest. It was when Phil Brown started playing me, Ian Ashby and Dean Marney in the midfield. I went through a spell were I thought I played my very best football. I had the energy to get up and down the right wing and coming in on the inside as well I used to like that. So yes starting out the right wing was my best position but having said that I was ok at right back, I was ok in the middle of the park, I was ok anywhere the manager felt he had to put me. To be honest although I preferred to be out on the right wing, I was just happy to be playing in front of the fans, which I have to say, were terrific with me.
Ryan scores on his City debut
JW. Any interview with Ryan France must mention the exclusive club you are a member of, as one of the elite group of players who has represented Hull City in all four divisions. RF. Yes I managed that and I am fantastically proud of achieving it. I remember having a team talk when Phil Brown said that I was starting against Arsenal. Playing at home that was my debut in the Premier League and that was it, I had done all four leagues. I didn’t ever think to myself I was Premier League standard ability wise but I had however worked very hard throughout the last 3 or 4 years and I thought, you know what, I deserve the opportunity to go and have a good go at it. There was undoubtedly better Premier League Joining the Four Divisions Club players, but I thought I was a good Championship player. To have that opportunity to go out there, in the Premier League and play against all those payers you had only ever seen on Match of the Day, week in week out, it was simply a dream come true. JW. It was not all plain sailing though as in 2007 your season was cut short due to a cruciate ligament injury. How did you personally handle such a long layoff? RF. It was all a bit weird really. I had a few niggles and a few minor problems throughout my career but it was all manageable, generally just putting me out for a week or so. I had never had a serious injury before and when it happened I can remember being sat with the physio and being a bit annoyed with myself because I had been carried off on a stretcher. Initially I felt it was alright, maybe that was the pain killers but I went bowling that night. I couldn’t do much but I just thought I had a stiff knee. Then I remember having the operation and there was blood everywhere and it was then that I realised it was serious. It took some time to recover but what can you do? You can do one of two things, sulk or get on with it. I just got on with it, that’s the type of person I am. JW. Released by City in 2009 you went on to have a trail with Sheffield Wednesday but instead signed a two year deal at Sheffield United. As a schoolboy which one held your allegiance? RF. Neither. Lots of people find it hard to understand that I didn’t ever support a team. I just like watching good football, I like seeing players develop, and I like to see the good players at the top of their game. But I always played football when I was growing up and as a result of playing I never got to any of the games. My dad wasn’t into football so I didn’t really bother. I would rather be playing on a Saturday instead of watching.
TIGERMAG 10
Returning home with Sheffield United
www.hullcityosc.com
JW. It was an injury that curtailed your career at Sheffield United and ultimately ended your footballing career all together, how difficult was that for you? RF. It’s the hardest thing about being a footballer having to retire through injury especially being just 31. I spent nearly 14 months out at Sheffield United so it wasn’t my greatest time as a football player. I would manage to get up to about 80% fitness but couldn’t seem to get any further. My knee just would not keep up with the rest of my body. I was as fit as a fiddle and I really thought there could be another 10 years inside me. But it was the knee that let me down and that was so frustrating. That’s football I suppose but I have always kept my feet firmly on the ground and knew it was my immediate family and friends that were important to me. So although being a professional footballer was always what I wanted to do and that was my dream, I dealt with the transition easily really. At the end of the day I am not what you would call a typical footballer; I was just a normal guy and knew I had to get on with life. JW. On a Saturday afternoon when the results filter through, which team do you look for first? RF. I have got a lot of fondness for Hull City, so I am always looking for anything to do with Hull. There are no players left there from when I was there but some of the backroom staff still remain. The fans are still there and that’s the important thing and they were good to me and accepted me as one of their own, so yes Hull City is where my allegiance lies and of course I want them to do really well, especially for those fans. I suppose I do look for Wednesday and United and generally I am watching what’s going on at quarter to five to see what the rest of the Premier League are up to but for me it is Hull City, it was where I played my best football. JW. And finally Ryan, what are you doing now, are you utilising your degree? RF. I am using the Maths as I am a financial advisor now. What I am trying to do is, because I have had first hand experience of being a footballer, I want to get into the football world and give footballers good, sound financial advice. I am honest through and through but there are a lot of people out there who deal in this industry who are not as honest. I will ensure that I do give good advice because I am the sort of person; I would not be able to sleep on a night if it didn’t. So yes I formed my own company with a good friend of mine and we are determined to give footballers the whole of management side, so that can be finances, legal help, travel and everything else. I am not trying to stop them living the footballer lifestyle but helping plan for the future, it’s not just about signing a contract and that’s the end of it. I am trying to put the whole thing under one roof to help footballers do it right, using all the experience that I gained and having done it all myself. The company is in its early days but it’s going really well and it’s my own little way of giving something back to the game. At home on the big stage
RYAN FRENCH - PLAYING RECORD Position: Right Wing/Wingback Born: 13/12/1980 [Sheffield] Clubs: Alfreton Town, Hull City, Sheffield United. Career appearances: 341 Career goals: 51 Hull City appearances: 133 Hull City goals: 6 Honours: Promoted with Alfreton 2001-2 & 2002-3 Promoted with Hull City 2003-4, 2004-5 & 2007-8 Transfer fees: £15k approx
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 11
REVIE OR NOT? By Melvyn Utley
Not many of today’s professional footballers when given the choice between signing for Arsenal or Hull City would choose the latter, unfortunately, but in 1949 after months of deliberation one player did just that. His name was Don Revie. Most football supporters of a certain age will know the name. They may know him from his time as manager of England or for his success at Elland Road and his subsequent rivalry with a certain Brian Clough. For some he will be remembered because of allegations of corruption.
Don Revie
Don Revie said at the time that he chose Hull City over Arsenal and Manchester City because he wanted to learn from Raich Carter. The transfer fee of £20,090.00 was easily within reach of other clubs, the house that the club provided was no different to what he could get elsewhere, but no other club had a player like Carter. The two had met when Hull City had played Leicester, Revie asked for his footballing hero’s autograph and Carter had commented that he had been impressed by his game. Carter was the Player Manager at City and as he was nearing the end of his playing career, he was on the lookout for a ‘schemer’ to take his place. At this time, a player was defined by his position on the field of play. Revie believed his game was suited to the schemer’s role. The formation of English teams was based on the ‘WM’ formation or 2-3-5. A schemer was effectively one of the inside forwards who would drop back and dictate play, sometimes called a ‘playmaker’, it was a position that demanded accurate passing and it needed a clear, level headed player who could control the game. Carter saw Revie as the man to mould into the job. Revie admired Carter’s ability to find space, call for the ball and look up before passing; it looked like a perfect time for them both to play in the same team. Unfortunately, the move did not work out as Revie had hoped, as Carter was still playing, Revie had to play in a position that he was not used to, his style of passing did not match the needs of the team and most importantly it differed from what Carter wanted. Revie played a short passing game and Carter wanted the direct through ball.
It took 25 games for Revie to get on the score sheet, he even played in goal twice when the keeper was injured. Carter was later to express his disappointment with the signing of Revie saying “I think he let me down, I was expecting too Carter and Revie much too soon. Revie did not play as well as I thought he would… I always thought he was an inside-forward but he didn’t have the punch an inside-forward should” Revie was moved from inside-forward to right-half, a move that did improve his game, but he never settled and after Carter quit for reasons that were not football related, he put in for a transfer.
TIGERMAG 12
www.hullcityosc.com
Revie moved to Manchester City and he had the same problem, the position that he felt he was best suited was taken by another player and Revie was consigned to playing as a forward. Times however, were changing. When the Hungarian team beat England 6-3 in November 1953, the English game was exposed for its lack of technical and tactical ability. English players were restricted by their lack of training and by the 2-3-5 ‘WM’ formation. The Hungarians played a completely different system 3-3-4 and they switched roles at will, more importantly for Revie they played a ‘deep schemer’. Unlike the English team, the Hungarians trained as a squad and surprisingly, they had been selected by the manager. In fact, the England manager Walter Winterbottom had never managed a professional club! The team was selected by the FA Selection Board and the players never trained in the way we expect modern teams to train today. There was a view that English players were more skilful and physically Carter and Revie depicted adapted to the game, presumably just because football’s in their Hull City days origins were in England. The defeat on home soil, hit the national team and the professional clubs hard. They saw for the first time that there was a need for change and one man stood ready to implement this at his club, Don Revie. After only two weeks at his new club Manchester City, Revie had once again found himself forced to play out of his preferred position as the Citizens had brought a new player, his form once again suffered. The Hungarian win opened the door of opportunity for Revie and he put forward a plan, that included his position to be changed to that of a centre forward playing a much deeper and more central role, behind the attack than Carters ‘schemer’ had been. This was first tried in the reserves and it worked well. The introduction of ‘The Revie Plan’ led to success for Manchester City and Revie found himself at the forefront of a change in English football. In 1962 the opportunity for Revie to take a step into management appeared and he signed for Leeds United as a player/manager. This gave him the chance to introduce total management, from kit design right through to the way players tackled. His methods did not meet with widespread approval, Leeds gained a reputation for being brutal on the pitch.
Brian Clough once said of Revie “He’s a very talented man and I don’t like him”. The statue of Don Revie outside of Elland Road bears testament to the success of his methods as Leeds United climbed up the leagues, became First Division champions, won the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Charity Shield. They were runners up in the First Division (five times), the FA Cup (three times) as well as the European Cup Winners Cup. He was offered and accepted the position of Manager of England in 1974 taking over from Alf Ramsey after the team failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1974. Revie also failed to deliver. Six wins out of 23 games and England did not qualify for the 76’ European Cup or the World Cup in 1978.
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 13
Throughout the whole of his career Revie had a reputation of being money orientated, it was said that he had bribed teams and players to throw matches, so that his teams could win, but there was little evidence of this. The mud stuck and his actions did little to allay the rumours. As a player Don Revie was not aggressive, but he demanded aggression from his players when at Leeds. He believed in learning from his managers, but at Manchester City, he was transferred for telling a player to ignore the manager.
Don Revie in 1950
Carter his boyhood hero, was a sportsman, Revie was a footballer, sporting gestures like a handshake after a bad tackle were not part of his game. When the FA refused to accept his resignation, Revie simply went to the Daily Mail and they paid him £20,000 for the scoop. It was telling that at his funeral in 1989, no one from the FA was in attendance.
Yorkshire Television’s 1974 Calandar Special hosted by Austin Mitchell saw Revie lock horns with Clough
Perhaps Don Revie will be best remembered not for his innovation, his impressive record at Leeds or his time as an England manager, but for his long and very public feud with Brian Clough. The Classic 1974 spat between the pair was so infamous it still gets airtime today, it’s well worth the watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SQbLb4vFtg Carter’s initial faith may not have paid off for Hull City but he’d spotted something in Revie that did, eventually, bear much fruit. Albeit elsewhere.
THE ‘WM’ SYSTEM: Known for the shapes described by the positions of the players, was created in the mid-1920s by Herbert Chapman of Arsenal to counter a change in the offside law in 1925.
TIGERMAG 14
www.hullcityosc.com
HULL CITY LADIES F.C. Pre-Season with the Tigresses
A tough pre-season has given way to an even more demanding league season, but one that Hull City Ladies are tackling head on with a certain amount of flair and no shortage of goals. Rattling in 25 goals in their opening ten league games the Tigresses find themselves sitting comfortably in the top three of the Women’s Premier League Division One Northern and on course for a tilt at promotion. It hasn’t been plain sailing though. An opening day 2-0 defeat to Guiseley Vixens was an early setback, but City took revenge in the WPL Cup going through 3-0 against the same opposition. The cup run did come to a halt with a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool but not before they’d seen off Middlesbrough 3-1. Victories both home and away against Yorkshire rivals Leeds brought satisfying headlines in the local press, especially the eye catching 6-0 home triumph that saw Rebecca Beech bag a hat-trick. More recently a 3-2 win at Tranmere Rovers has consolidated their place in the top three. “It has been a great ending to 2017,” said Manager Rachel Gay.
“We finish the year in third place but with games in hand, so we are happy with our first half of the season”. There’s a long way to go before the team can think about tasting promotion but at this stage there is all to play for. Gay and her backroom staff show no sign of taking their eye off the prize, and boosting the squad with the addition of Natasha Cooke from Sheffield FC recently is a genuine signal of intent. It’s not just on the field where the club’s professionalism shows. A huge New signing amount of effort goes into the club’s website, social media and the excellent Natasha Cooke TigressTV channel available online. TigressTV offers highlights, news and interviews; it’s clear Hull City Ladies are keen to win over new fans and their efforts certainly deserve local support. Follow the progress of Hull City Ladies on Twitter: @HullCityLFC and online: www.hullcityladies.com or in person at any home game!
TIGRESS TV - Who needs Sky Sports
...the female of the species is more deadly than the male! www.hullcityosc.com
[Rudyard Kipling 1911]
TIGERMAG 15
WHAT’S ALL THAT ABOUT? Powerchair Football
Football has always had multiple forms, from its very beginnings different regions had different rule variations and overtime other sports have evolved from the original core. More recently as technologies and (perhaps more significantly) attitudes have improved, the sport’s flexibility has been used to create adapted forms of the game. Powerchair Football training session These new variations are enabling more people to access the thrill and benefits of team sports. One such success story is Powerchair Football. Powerchair Football may not be all that widely known but its popularity is gradually rising and crucially it plays a hugely important part in the lives of those who play the game. Powerchair Football is proud to be one of the most inclusive sports out there, offering people with a range of severe mobility problems the chance to participate. There are now dozens of clubs across the UK and Ireland, and the number continues to grow. Since 2013 the East Riding Electric Eels have been proudly banging the drum for Powerchair Football in East Yorkshire – and rightly so. The Electric Eels were founded by Andy Fox who set up the club to give his son Charlie a team closer to home than the West Yorkshire side he’d been travelling to play for. Charlie has quadriplegic cerebral palsy so being able to play an accessible form of football means he can connect with the 11-a-side game in ways not previously possible. Moreover, it enables him to feel the benefits of team sport that enrich so many people’s lives and that are somewhat taken for granted amongst able-bodied sportsmen. Speaking to the Hull Daily Mail in 2013 Andy gave an insight as to just how important accessible forms of sport are to those who take part.
“A lot of his friends were getting into football teams and I wanted him to have that feeling of being part of a team. You have that adrenalin rush of being in a competitive sport and the camaraderie of being in a team. Charlie’s condition means he needs an electric wheelchair, so Powerchair Football was fantastic for him”. The Electric Eels became Hull and East Riding’s first Powerchair Football team joining an ever increasing number of sides in the North East Region. Powerchair Football is a 4-a-side game played using a 13’’ (33cm) ball. Teams can consist of players of any age, male or female. The nature of the sport means that every player is placed on a level playing-field regardless of age or stature.
TIGERMAG 16
www.hullcityosc.com
East Riding Electric Eels Powerchair Football Club
The game is run by The Wheelchair Football Association which was formed in 2005 to govern the sport of Powerchair Football in England. The WFA are recognised by the Football Association as the sport’s lead organisation. The rise of Powerchair Football has again shown how football as an umbrella can bring people together and that it is possible to bridge the gaps between different levels of ability. This year marks the Eels fourth birthday which in itself is a huge achievement and a testament to the vision of founder Andy Fox.
Pre match warm up
POWERCHAIR FOOTBALL RULES: • Played usually indoors on a standard size Basketball court. • The game is played using an oversized 13” Football. • Any powerchair can be used but special sports powerchairs are recommended. Attachments are used to protect player’s feet and for contact with the ball. • Teams of 8 players, with 4 on the pitch at any time, one of which must be the goalkeeper. Unlimited Subs. • A match is 40 minutes long, two 20 minute halves, with a 10 minute break. • If the ball leaves the field of play, a Push-in (equivalent to a throw in), a Corner or Goal-Kick is awarded. • Tackling is only allowed using Bumper contact. If any other part of the wheelchair is used, a foul and free kick will be awarded. Tackling can only take place between two opposing players. If a second defender becomes involved, a free-kick will be awarded. • Only two players from the defending team may enter the penalty area at any one time. • A Goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line.
www.hullcityosc.com
If you are interesting in playing for East Riding Electric Eels, helping out or sponsoring the club please visit www.eastridingelectriceels.co.uk Or find your nearest Powerchair Football opportunity at www.eastridingfa.com or www.thewfa.org.uk if you live outside the East Riding area. EAST RIDING ELECTRIC EELS PFC Training Venue: Sirius Academy, 296 Anlaby Park Road, Hull. HU4 7JB. Website: eastridingelectriceels.com Facebook.com/EastRidingElectricEels Twitter: @EastRidingElectricEels
TIGERMAG 17
TIGERS SPORT & EDUCATION TRUST Official Charity Partner to Hull City Football Club With Gemma Garnett - Partnership Development Officer
TIGERS KICKS INTERNATIONAL In January 2016 the Tigers Trust were approached by local doctor Mohammad Alhamas, who had the idea to get refugees and asylum seekers living in our region fit and healthy by participating with sport, he saw the Tigers Trust as the people to help him with this vision. The Trust was keen on the idea and wanted to help these people feel part of the community and integrate them along with hopefully dispelling a few myths in the process. Project Co-ordinator Ollie Ezard commented:
Michael Dawson & Ollie Ezard
“Tigers Kicks International has provided refugees and asylum seekers a platform to play football in a friendly environment whilst at the same time meeting new friends, building confidence and skills such as teamwork”. The project is ever growing with now 60 participants registered and plans to expand the delivery to two evenings a week along with a children’s session. In November BBC Match of the Day came to the Airco Arena to film the Tigers Kicks International project for a feature which aired on Sunday 27th November. 42 Participants joined in the football session and they had a great surprise when they were joined by special guest and club captain Michael Dawson. Tigers Trust Coach, Quej, was also interviewed and he explained how he came to Hull as a refugee several years ago and has since built up a coaching career with Tigers Trust. He now supports the Tigers Kicks International project by coaching and translating for some participants who are not fluent in English.
Visit www.tigerstrust.co.uk for further details. The BBC MOTD feature can be found at: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38106191
Our Aim We aim to make a difference by involving people in sport and promoting the values linked to sporting success.
TIGERMAG 18
www.hullcityosc.com
CULTURE: IT’S HERE, IT’S THERE... Hull – UK City of Culture 2017, by Andy Moore
Since Hull secured the title of UK City of Culture 2017 way back in 2013, taking over from Derry-Londonderry, the anticipation and the debate about what it means to the city has been everywhere. In beating the other shortlisted candidates of Dundee, Leicester and Swansea Bay, Hull finally got a chance to show the haters, the doubters and the Sam Jordison’s of this world that their cheap shots are not just wrong, but so far off target it’s laughable. If you don’t remember Sam Jordison, you’ll recall his greasy little book ‘The Idler Book of Crap Towns’ which did more damage to Hull’s reputation than most. The book itself would certainly make it onto any list of crap books, especially now that its main victim has emerged with a sparkling new crown to add to the three it already had. Much of the rest of the list would be populated by his other poor quality works. “Ten years ago people couldn’t wait to get away from Hull. Now they’ll be queuing up to visit. I’ll be with them, if I’m allowed in” – Jordison told The Independent in 2013, after Hull’s successful bid.
Sam Jordison - Crap Books
Legally he is allowed back of course, but even David Lloyd hasn’t mistaken that fact for an invite.
City fans have embraced the ‘up yours’ aspect of Hull’s City of Culture status, “You’re only here for the Culture” has provided the perfect retort to the standard away fans’ “...I wanna go home.” After all, football is part of Hull’s culture and the Premier League has often provided the city’s largest source of positive advertising in recent times. Perhaps that’s why the opening weeks of Hull 2017 feature Hull City so prominently. City players appear in the ‘Made in Hull’ light projections and the video accompanying the ‘In With a Bang’ fireworks display, whilst Tigers fans voices have been used to produce ‘105+db’, a sound installation in Zebadee’s Yard named after the point at which our individual voices are lost in the football crowd.
Dean Windass graces Hull City Hall, not for the first time
www.hullcityosc.com
Later in the year other events will either be embedded with some of Hull City’s historical legacy or be directly based on the club. Tiger Rags at the Streetlife museum in July will showcase Hull City shirts through the ages.
TIGERMAG 19
In a wider cultural context football plays a huge part in the pride of the city and can influence how outsiders view the place. When City are top-flight, applications to Hull University rise. When we’re not regulars on Match of The Day social media chatter is quieter and city centre hotel bookings reduce, but the main impact is the immeasurable perceptions of people home and abroad who associate the city with the fortunes of the football club.
The Tigers have a big influence on the city and the people within it, who in turn provide the rest of the cultural mix. THE CITIZENS: A FAIRY STORY Once upon a time there was a team, Who played(for Hull) a different kind of game. They liked the round ball it would seem, And eventually, Hull City they became. At first they were called the Amber and Blacks, But this never really caught on. Then, the Third Porters, thought the hacks, But that daft idea was quickly gone. For a while, The Citizens was our name. It’s true, I kid you not. But then the Tigers we became; We liked it quite a lot. Those early names(it seems to me) Could not have been much dafter. The Tigers we were meant to be. Now let’s live happily ever after. Dave Osgerby Wordsmith, since before 2017!
Many of the 2017 Volunteers are City fans. In fact some of the HCOSC staff were Pioneer Volunteers, and worked on the famously feathery ‘Place Des Anges’ and the even more famous ‘Sea of Hull’ project to which our Tigeropolis cartoon gave a respectful nod in the last edition of TigerMag [art imitating art? – Ed]. Another HCOSC contributor Dave Osgerby has long been a regular on the written and spoken word scene in Hull and submits regularly to this publication and our website. Openly embracing our cultural offerings may be new and shouting about them is certainly not what we’re used to here but the fact is; culture is not a new thing for Hull. It’s very much standard practice and one of the reasons the title of UK City of Culture came our way. The vision to bid for the title in the first place is perhaps one area where the club could have shown more belief, of the three main sports clubs only Hull Kingston Rovers put their money in as one of the original ‘Bid Angels’ to fund the application. Since then however both Hull City and The SMC have fully backed Hull 2017 and supported the volunteer programme that is so crucial to the success of the year.
Volunteers are crucial to the success of Hull 2017
TIGERMAG 20
www.hullcityosc.com
Fans young and old flocked to Zeberdee’s Yard
No article on the subject of Hull 2017 would be complete without a mention of orange barriers, supposedly troubled civil projects or the closure of roads just before Christmas, but as it’s hard to find a direct footballing connection to those aspects we’ll concentrate on the fact that without City of Culture status none of the work either planned, completed, underway or consigned to the bin, would have ever been muted. It’s a case of knowing when to be grateful. Building projects form a key part of City of Culture status, but they are spinoffs rather than the focus. Derry-Londonderry built both physical and emotional bridges between its communities in 2013, something the football club, Derry City, has provided for much longer. The one downside for Derry-Londonderry was that visitor numbers were less than anticipated. A factor Hull has taken note of as it plans ways to draw in a million extra visitors this year.
Regardless of what is or isn’t built in Hull as part of the 2017 jamboree, individually Hull 2017 will be for you what you make of it for yourself. You can choose to embrace it and find things to enjoy or you can choose to find fault and be negative. One footballing comparison that could be made is that when The KCOM Stadium, was first muted under the guise of ‘Hull Super Stadium’ (by David Lloyd as it happens) it was seen as an impossible dream. Then, when Kingston Communications’ floatation on the stock market facilitated the build, it was deemed that a stadium of 25,000 was probably way too big, given City’s average crowds of less than half of that figure. It has been full to Volunteers meet the pre match entertainment the brim on any number of occasions since it opened. The much, and unfairly, maligned Hull Venue with a 3,500 capacity is suffering the opposite criticism, labelled too small and unambitious. How times have changed! We have a huge venue, we have small venues – soon we’ll have something smart in between too. Where’s the problem with that - if it improves the city’s facilities?
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 21
Further afield two other places share our special year, enjoying ‘European’ City of Culture status. Aarhus in Denmark is a port city with many physical similarities to Hull but a touch more affluence and a football team with a trophy cabinet boasting five domestic league titles, nine Danish Cups and two European quarter finals – but then again, they enjoy even less sunshine than we do. The other 2017 Culture Capital is Paphos in Cyprus. Thinking differently; Aarhus 2017
For a while Paphos looked very much like it was in direct competition with Hull for the title of most dangerous looking paving works. Paphos wins easily, so much so that Trip Advisor branded it ‘Paphos City of Craters’ 2017’ recently. The football’s fallen down a bit of a hole too with two sides merging in 2014 to create one second division offering, Pafos FC. However, sunshine is pretty much guaranteed. Of the three Hull has the most to gain from its cultural rebirth and as that process continues the role that Hull City Football Club plays in the area’s cultural equation will doubtless continue as it has since 1904.
Building for the future in Paphos
As we’ve seen with the KCOM Stadium and The Deep dreaming big can really pay off and inspire. We’ve always known what we are, the difference is that now we’ve found a voice and others are listening for once. That’s the power of being UK City of Culture. We wish Aarhus and Paphos a successful 2017 – like Hull, they’re well worth a visit and you could take in some football there too.
Shades of Boothferry Park in Zeberdee’s Yard
Hull 2017 has something for everyone with events running on every one of the 365 days of 2017 – find out more at www.hull2017.co.uk TIGERMAG 22
www.hullcityosc.com
THE (INNER) CIRCLE HULL CITY EXECUTIVE CLUB with Chairman Charles Lewis
So, much has happened since my last report in high summer. We were then looking at our third tilt at the Premier League and, at the same time, hoping that some of the uncertainty around the football club would be resolved. The playing performance and issues around the club are amply dealt with elsewhere and I will report here on the Executive Club itself. Many members attended our AGM before the Stoke City home match and received the usual Chair’s and Secretary’s reports together with the accounts for the year.
Secretary Ron Lithgow and Treasurer Trevor Sellers retired at the AGM and our thanks are due to them for many years of service on our committee.
Charles Lewis meets Michael Dawson
The remaining committee was re-elected to serve for 2016/17. The Executive Club continues to be in a satisfactory financial situation and well able to continue with the present main initiatives of support to U16 academy players through the “Executive Club Fund” and in modest support of Hull City Ladies for the foreseeable future. As far as our support for U16 academy players is concerned, applications for financial support that directly assists with Academy attendance are treated in the strictest confidence and with no publicity. There is an upper limit of £250 which can be allocated to each application and having made a number of awards of support in 2015/16 we are now looking to make further awards in 2016/17. Michael Dawson was on hand recently to lend his support and our thanks are due to the Senior Tigers who have made a generous contribution to the “Executive Club Fund” thus enabling us to extend the number of awards granted if necessary. We do know that our grant fund is appreciated by the academy manager and others at Bishop Burton who are all doing such a wonderful job at nurturing talent for the future.
Already this season we have seen two academy ‘graduates’ make their Premier League debuts and there do seem to be more in the pipeline. The Academy: Hull City Academy develops talented young footballers from the age of eight to twenty-one. There have been significant developments in the last 18 months, as the club continues in its quest to achieve Category Two status and recruit players of outstanding potential that can be nurtured into future first team regulars.
Hull City Ladies have started the season well and at the time of writing are into the first round proper of the Women’s FA Cup. We, at the Executive Club, may in future years through our financial support, have some little part to play in further successes at the academy and at Hull City Ladies.
As the season progresses we will continue to be active in support of Hull City in the hope of continued survival in the Premier League.
Benefactor: a sponsor, patron, backer ...supporter www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 23
MEMORY LANE
By Brendon Smurthwaite
THE BARCLAYS ASIA TROPHY
Wednesday 29th & Friday 31st July 2009 Workers Stadium, Beijing, China.
The Barclays Asia Trophy 2009; now that was an experience and a half! When I first knew that we’d qualified to go out to Beijing my reaction was that it’d be another interesting chapter to add to the many that I’d already experienced during my time with the club. China wasn’t a country that I’d ever thought about visiting on holiday so I was really looking forward to going over and seeing what it was all about. Clearly though, this wouldn’t be a holiday (contrary to what many people might think!). The people at the Premier League briefed us on what to expect in terms of the trip and with the schedule as it was, there was hardly any time for anything other than work. That was fine though as we were being paid to go and do a job as we did every day. The flight over was a long one and the players and coaching staff had headed out the previous day. In total, Phil Brown on media duty in China we’d be there for five days and during that time there’d be two games, press conferences, training sessions and some community-based initiatives which the Premier League had put in place. The Beijing Grand Hyatt Hotel would be our base and that was certainly some place! West Ham and Tottenham were also staying there as they (along with Beijing Gouan) were the other teams in the tournament.
City’s squad battled heat & humidity
Before our semi-final against Beijing Gouan, the media interest in Hull City AFC was very intense. The locals had heard of West Ham and Spurs but not so Hull City and they were keen to find out more about this club which carried a tiger on its badge.
It really was a red carpet welcome, although the interest waned a bit after we beat Beijing to go through to the final! Geovanni scored City’s goal in what was a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, before Zhang Xinxin missed from the spot to send City through on penalties. In between the semi’s and the final we did get an opportunity to travel out to the Great Wall of China which was an incredible experience. The heat was stifling and there were thousands of tourists Zhang Xinxin curses his luck after missing the final spot kick. milling around and climbing the steep steps of the wall.
TIGERMAG 24
www.hullcityosc.com
But with a clear blue sky you could see for miles from the wall which was just amazing. We were lucky; the players had been the day before but the weather wasn’t as clever and they didn’t get to see much at all! Whilst the views at the wall were amazing, the food was less so. Traditional Chinese cuisine is an acquired taste and one that neither myself nor my colleague from the club’s media team liked. As the players were being fed their usual diet of pasta, salad etc we decided that heading down to the team room after they’d eaten was probably the best bet! We met some City supporters who’d sampled a local delicacy which consisted of a live scorpion being skewered and then dipped into a hot vat of something or other; we didn’t really fancy that. The weather was also a touch unpredictable as well. On one of the evenings, there was a storm which more or less flooded Beijing in the space of two or three hours. Goodness gracious Great Wall of China!
Keeper Ting Zhou clears a City attack [c/o Dailymail.co.uk]
The roads literally turned to rivers but then by the morning everything was back to normal – it was unbelievable really. I haven’t really mentioned the final against Spurs as we were beaten 3-0 and if I’m honest, I don’t remember too much about the game with it being such a bad day at the office. Records show that Robbie Keane (2) and Aaron Lennon were the Tigers tormentors on the day.
Daniel Cousin on the ball against Spurs [c/o Zimbio.com]
Still, that didn’t detract from the whole trip being a memorable experience and one that I consider myself very fortunate to have been on. I’ve even still got my engraved plaque which says ‘I climbed the Great Wall of China July 2009’. That’s something to show my little boy when he’s a bit older!
Spurs lift The Asia Trophy [c/o myfootballfacts.com]
FACT: No Asian team has ever won the Asia Trophy Thailand have come closest losing the 2005 final 1-0 to Bolton Wanderers.
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 25
FOLLOW THE LEADER
By Henry Clark – Young Sports Journo’ Many people wonder why we football fans love the game and our team as much as we do. They struggle to comprehend the importance of 3 o’clock on a Saturday afternoon; How can 11 blokes kicking a ball around mean so much to you? They wonder. Hull City means more than that to most. Many find sharing a common affinity with a large group of people a great joy, being able to talk for hours on end about something they love. Football is a game of opinions and every fan has a voice. Players mean everything to us fans with us all willing them on to run their hearts out week in, week out in a City shirt. But there’s one man who is the figurehead of the club.
A man who can divide opinion, a man that leaves you scratching your head when he plays three at the back, a man who kicks and heads every ball on the touchline - the manager. They are the people responsible for selecting the side that means so much to you. A side that you spend your hardearned money travelling across the length and breadth of the country to watch, rain or shine. Being a younger City fan I’ve only seen a handful of men brave enough to step into the role of top-dog. With each new manager comes new ideas and new opinions that I begin to formulate, opinions that I can become particularly vocal about. They’re the face of our football club, a form of universal identity. My City journey began with Phil Brown, aptly nicknamed the ‘Tango man’ for his tanned appearance. Memories of Phil Brown gives ‘that’ team talk Brown are largely good ones; in my first season following the club he led the side to their first ever taste of Premier League football. The man who donned his trademark microphone was a popular figure at City - we remember well him leading a celebratory sing-song after we gained Premier League survival in 2009. He also cemented City’s spot in the Premier League hall of infamy after his iconic half-time team talk on the pitch at the Etihad stadium sent the footballing world into fits of hysterics. The next City managers to follow were fairly uninspiring it’s fair to say – perhaps suitable for the league positions achieved in the Championship in the following years. Whilst Nigel Pearson and City legend Nicky Barmby both had short cracks of the whip, in my opinion it was worth the wait for the next appointment.
Steve Bruce, a proud Geordie who’s a published author, often photo-shopped into wedding photos and linked with a strange affinity with sausage rolls. What’s not to love? TIGERMAG 26
Nick’s ‘Barmby Army’ was fun whilst it lasted
www.hullcityosc.com
Bruce took over at the Tigers in June 2012 and for me, and I know many will agree, has been the club’s greatest ever manager. Two Premier League promotions, a league cup quarter-final, an FA Cup final, a highest ever Premier League finish and a first taste of European football was all achieved under the stewardship of Bruce. I think it’s fair to say that that’s a pretty impressive record. And after a tough time with managerial appointments, fans soon revelled in life under Bruce including myself. What I loved about ‘Brucey’ particularly was his love for the club. He knew how much top-flight football meant to the fans and the city of Hull and he was prepared to do whatever he could to fulfil those dreams. Steve Bruce crashes another wedding
Very few people could be regarded as nice in football’s modern era; Bruce was one of the nice guys. One memory that sticks in my head was when I travelled to Brighton last season and got to the ground three hours before kick-off to see the City coach come in. What struck me when Bruce stepped off the coach was his willingness to stop and sign a programme and take a picture with every fan, not just scuttle off like many down the tunnel. He made sure that every fan got what they wanted before he left to take-up his match-day duties – he cared about the fans and the club. Steve Bruce with Mike Phelan And whilst you may not have agreed with his tactics or unceremonious departure from the football club, his legacy will stay for many years. Time spent in the cattle-shed-like away ends will always be remembered; not just for the football but for the “Steve Bruce” chants and appreciative waves that were sure to follow. Mike Phelan had a tricky ride but still left us with some great memories and achieved the club’s best League Cup effort before being ousted in favour of new blood.
We won’t agree with all the future managerial appointments and rightly so, we all want our football club to go in slightly different directions, but we do have one common duty, to support whoever has the privilege of managing our football club and get behind the team he selects every week, without fail. So with that said, let’s get behind Marco Silva and his Black & Amber Army.
Manager ...’Head Coach’ ... whatever their title we always follow the leader. www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 27
MATCH REPORTS
Topflight Rollercoaster - By Dave Osgerby
THE COUPON BUSTER: City 2 - Leicester City 1
CHAMPIONS BROUGHT TO EARTH BY TENACIOUS TIGERS Saturday 13th August 2016 For the first time since the Premier League began the Champions have lost their opening game of the following season. Champions Leicester City were beaten by a hard working Tigers team, who refused to give up. Early kick-off in the sunshine, and the predicted, largely good humoured protest passed off without incident. The City faithful got right behind their team and cheered them on to a famous victory by two goals to one. A tight first half saw Leicester create more chances, but last ditch tackling by the new centre back pairing of Davies and Livermore saw off the threat. They were both outstanding, while Leicester’s finishing was woeful. Just getting ready for my half-time Hull Pie, when City took the lead. A marvellous save from Schmeichel saw Diomande and Hernandez perform simultaneous overhead kicks, and the ball flew in. One nil to the Tigers, and they walked off to a rousing ovation. The second half began disastrously. City gave away possession on the edge of the box, then gave away a disputed penalty, cooly dispatched by Mahrez. But heads did not go down and after a period of City pressure, the ball fell to Snodgrass who drilled it home to the keeper’s left. 2-1 and the atmosphere was electric. Leicester brought on Okazaki and Ulloa, but all to no avail as City ran out comfortable winners. Sunshine, an emphatic win over the Champions and a pie, what could be better? On this form, we’ll ruffle a few feathers at the KCOM stadium. Man of the Match - Robert Snodgrass
THE TYPICAL LATE WINNER BY UNITED: City 0 - Manchester United 1 DEFIANT TIGERS LOSE TO INJURY TIME WINNER Saturday 27th August 2016
Hull City 0, Manchester United 1. The bare bones of the story, but that does not tell the tale. A resilient, tough tackling Tigers side held their own until the third minute of injury time against a full strength Manchester United side. City looked comfortable early on, despite a glorious headed chance by Ibrahimovic going wide. He missed another chance later on with an extravagant back-heel spinning into the side netting. City defended manfully; you could say they parked the bus, but had chances and looked comfortable in possession. Snodgrass fired narrowly wide from a free kick, as the game went into half time all square. We hoped for the usual second half improvement, but an injury to Snodgrass robbed City of their most potent attacking threat. In the second half United dominated possession with Pogba reduced to long distance shots, but Rooney coming more and more into the game. United mustered 29 shots, however City’s defenders, including man of the match Davies and Livermore put in block after block. Almost at the end the hard working Meyler blazed a shot just over the bar. United went down the other end and stole the points. Rooney getting behind the City defence, and Rashford tapping in the cross. Cue pandemonium and United supporters coming onto the pitch. Rashford was booked for excessive celebration, and that was that. Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin. City were magnificent in defence. Every City player gave his all for the cause and it was so nearly a brilliant point. As the supporters trudged home in the pouring rain, few had cause for complaint. Huddlestone had a deflected shot inches wide, with de Gea beaten, but it was not to be. This City supporter was proud of his team as they battled for every ball. I have rarely seen a team as together in spirit as this one, and I believe we will surprise a lot of people this season. Unlucky not to get a point. Man of the Match - Curtis Davies
TIGERMAG 28
www.hullcityosc.com
THE HIDING TO NOTHING: AFC Bournemouth 6 - City 1
WOEFUL TIGERS THRASHED BY CHERRIES Saturday October 15th 2016 City were thrashed by a powerful Bournemouth side by six goals to one in a totally one sided game. Mike Phelan’s first game in charge as ‘Head Coach’ ended in disaster as the Tigers were completely outplayed. City made four changes, with Elmohamady returning and Maguire replacing Livermore who reverted to midfield. Keane started as the lone striker. City began the game in their hideous new purple shirts, and went behind in the fourth minute. A Stanislas free-kick coming back off the post, Daniels reacting quickly with a half volley. Bournemouth ran at City with pace and purpose, and City were simply unable to compete. Hopes were briefly raised, when a speculative shot by Mason took a deflection off Cook. One all. That was as good as it got. Poor defending by City left Cook with a free header as the Cherries retook the lead. And then, in the forty fourth minute, Snodgrass conceded a penalty which was comfortably dispatched by the excellent Stanislas. Half time came as a blessing to City and Mike Phelan, who looked shell shocked. The second half continued as the first had ended with Bournemouth totally dominant. With only the hapless Keane up front for City, the Cherries kept on attacking, and went three ahead in the sixty fifth minute, as Bournemouth simply brushed City aside. A simple header from a King cross and it was five one. Gosling completed the goal scoring with the sixth in the eighty eighth minute and the embarrassment was complete. City man of the match? Don’t ask. No-one. The travelling city fans put in a better shift than the team. Going to play against Bournemouth with a single striker who has a careers total of four goals played right into Bournemouth’s hands. The ball just kept coming back and City were fortunate it was only six. Far and away City’s worst performance of the season. A lot of questions were asked of this team and they answered with a truly abysmal performance. It looks grim at the moment. New players urgently needed, and the old spirit must return if City are to have any chance of staying up. Man of the Match - The travelling city supporters resolute in defeat. *Special mention to Canadian Dan who travelled from ...well, you can guess that bit. Ouch mate, but hey, now you’re a proper Hull City fan!
THE CURSE OF THE EX-TIGER: City 3 - Crystal Palace 3
PALACE THWART CITY IN SIX GOAL THRILLER Monday December 5th 2016 What a game! A breathless, pulsating, fluctuating match ended with City and Crystal Palace sharing the spoils in a three all draw. City played three at the back, leaving out Mason and Henriksen. Diomande played alone up front, with Snodgrass just behind. City flew at Palace from the start, creating a one on one for Diomande which the keeper saved. Cagey stuff to begin with, City just on top. Livermore and Huddlestone pulling the strings in midfield, tireless probing from Snodgrass. City got lucky on twentyseven minutes, a famously soft penalty for the Tigers being converted by Snodgrass. City went in leading at half-time. I’ll repeat that. City went in leading at half time. A rare event this season. They came out unchanged for the second half, but then came another penalty. Snodgrass was adjudged to have fouled his man and Christian Benteke deceived Marshall far too easily. One all. And then, after City had missed a series of glorious chances, Zaha twisted and fired in an unstoppable effort. After dominating for so long, City were behind. However, it took just two minutes for City to equalise, Diomande firing in after a neat turn. The Tigers were back on top now, and the excellent Livermore was rewarded with a neat goal on seventy eight minutes. Brilliant stuff from this never say die eleven. So, did Mike Phelan bring on fresh legs? Alas, no, and substitute Fraizer Campbell (remember him?) headed home in the eighty-ninth minute to deny City a well deserved win. A real heartbreaker of a goal. Henriksen was sent on for the last few seconds, but surely better use of the substitutes could have been made? This was a match City could and should have won. No doubting the effort from all the team but in the final analysis it was missed chances again that cost us the points. This was a wonderful match and if we are to go down this is the way to do it. Excellent stuff, but ultimately two more points have got away. Great game, disappointing result. Man of the Match - Jake Livermore You can read Dave’s latest match reports at www.hullcityosc.com published within hours of the final whistle.
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 29
THE AMBER TRAIL
By Bernie Cawte - in association with CAMRA
*All dates and kick-off times are correct at the time of going to print; any changes are beyond TigerMag’s control. Please check opening times and tolerance of away fans before arriving at any of these pubs.
Hull City Official Supporters Club use The Airco Arena in West Park as a meeting place ahead of all home games. ‘The Airco’ has a range of beers and soft drinks available and is
both child friendly and welcoming of away fans. The Airco isn’t a traditional pub but with Sky Sports and regular interviews with Ex-Tigers before weekend games it’s a great place to meet your friends, watch the live game and enjoy a drink. You can renew your membership at the same time and The KCOM is just a two minute walk away.
CITY L L O HU
ARSENAL - SAT 11TH FEB (15:00) The traditional pub for away supporters is the DRAYTON ARMS*, which is located near to Arsenal tube station and Drayton Park railway station. This Courage pub overlooks the Emirates Stadium, however it can get extremely busy on match days. THE TWELVE PINS (formerly the Finsbury Park Tavern) near Finsbury Park tube station has a good mix of home and away fans and is a ten minute walk from the ground.
LEICESTER CITY
ERS CLUB
LIME BAR (Lowry Plaza, Salford Quays, M50 3AG) serves three real ales and is an away friendly environment*, it also has an extensive food menu available. On the Lowry Plaza next door to the Lime Bar is CRAFTBREW a smart modern bar in a 1990’s office block (much better than it might sound). The bar offers three locally sourced changing beers, with good food available all day; it is a gem and a 2017 GBG pub.
RT
L SUP A I C PO I F MAN UNITED - WED F 1ST FEB (20:00)
The Lime Bar
The Twelve Pins
- SAT 4TH MARCH (KO 15:00) Leicester has a good number of real ale pubs to choose from and the SWAN & RUSHES (19 Infirmary Square, LE1 5WR) is certainly one of them. This two-roomed pub has up to nine real ales on offer and over 100 bottle beers. Homemade pizzas are a must. Another friendly pub is the KING’S HEAD (Kings Street, LE1 6RL) a real ale pub with 8 handpulls and two ciders, it’s a traditional one room city center pub, also in the 2017 GBG and Leicester Pub of the Year 2016.
The King’s Head
EVERTON - SAT 18TH MARCH (KO 15:00)
A fifteen minute walk from Goodison Park is the THOMAS FROST, (177-197 Walton Road, L4 4AJ) a JD Wetherspoon GBG 2013 pub that used to be a well known Liverpool departmental store. Near Lime Street Station is THE CROWN, (43 Lime Street, L1 1JQ), a traditional bar which serves up to 5 real ales at prices that are easy to swallow. Also in the city centre is THE DISPENSARY, (87 Renshaw Street, L1 2SP), serving seven real ales from interesting microbreweries, attractive Victorian features make this a must to visit.
TIGERMAG 30
The Dispensary
www.hullcityosc.com
MAN CITY - SAT 8TH APR (KO 15:00) It is probably best to drink in the city centre as there is a connecting tram service from Piccadilly and Victoria train stations. There are several pubs around THE PRINTWORKS, with plenty of choices of food. Just behind the station at Piccadilly is THE JOLLY ANGLER, (47 Ducie Street, M1 2JW), also worth a visit is PORT STREET BEER HOUSE, (39-41 Port Street, M1 2EQ), which holds a large selection of cask and bottled beers and is also a GBG 2017 pub.
L SUP A I C PO I F F
The Jolly Angler
STOKE CITY - SAT 15TH APR (KO 15:00)
CITY L L O HU
Most pubs near St Mary’s Stadium are home fans only. THE PLATFORM Tavern, (Town Quay, SO14 2NY), serves food and its own Dancing Man ales produced at their micro brewery located in THE DANCING MAN just 500 yards further down the road. Both serve food. Another gem is THE SOUTH WESTERN ARMS, (38-40 Adelaide Road, SO17 2HW), adjoining St Denys station, takes great pride in their hand--pull real ales and international bottled beers.
CRYSTAL PALACE - SAT 13TH MAY (KO 15:00) There are two-railway stations close by. At South Norwood you have a choice of a JD Wetherspoon, THE WILLIAM STANLEY, (7/8 High Street, SE25 6EP) or THE ALLIANCE, (91 High Street, SE25 6EA), a highly visible corner pub, with real ales including London Pride and Abbott ale. At Thornton Heath you have another JD Wetherspoon, FLORA SANDES, (2/4 Ambassador House, Brigstock Road, CR7 7JG) and THE RAILWAY TELEGRAPH, (19 Brigstock Road, CR7 7JJ), which is a glorious throwback to better days, a generouslysized and attractive Young’s boozer situated close to the railway station with a central bar serving a large saloon and a smaller snug.
ERS CLUB
SOUTHAMPTON - SAT 29TH APR (KO 15:00)
RT
THE TERRACE BAR (185 Leek Road, ST4 2BW) has previously been designated as an official away fans pub* and is five minutes’ walk from the train station, offering food and Sky Sports. The shuttle bus to the ground runs from near the station stopping at this pub and returning after the game. Also near the station is THE GLEBE, (35 Glebe Street, ST4 1HG), a Joule’s Brewery establishment which is one of the most visited pubs in Stoke with impressive features including stain glass windows and candlelit tables.
The Glebe
The Platform Tavern
The William Stanley
LONDON - GENERAL
For that drink whilst waiting for the train home, THE PARCEL YARD at Kings Cross Station, has a full range of Fuller’s cask ales - plus guest ales and premium draught beers too. There is also THE BETJEMAN ARMS on the Upper Level Concourse at St Pancras International Station, The house beer, Betjeman Ale, is a re-badged Sharp’s Cornish Coaster. The pub serves four regular beers and two changing beers. Lunchtime and evening meals are available and the pub also has an outside terrace.
www.hullcityosc.com
The Parcel Yard
TIGERMAG 31
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU... FENTON MARTINSON – makes it into double figures for the first time on 25th February, celebrating his 10th Birthday. His best Tigers memory is Wembley 2016 and celebrating the winning goal. Fenton is pictured at the front of the photo with cousin Ted, brother Oscar (on Daddy’s shoulders) and Uncle Rob. It was a very special day!
NEVER FORGOTTEN BRIAN BULLESS FOREVER A ONE CLUB MAN HCOSC were saddened recently to learn of the death of former Tigers player Brian Bulless at the age of 83. Brian, a talented ‘left-half’ passed away in December and was respectfully honoured with a minute’s applause by both Hull City and Crystal Palace fans, before a suitably entertaining 3-3 draw. A one-club man, Brian’s 357th and final appearance for the Tigers came in a 4-2 win against Wrexham in October 1963 as injury forced an earlier than planned retirement from the game.
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Graham Newdick and Bob Horton just before Christmas. GRAHAM NEWDICK passed away at home after a short illness and was Hull City through and through. He attended all matches home and away. His last was Liverpool away. Graham was a former HCOSC director, founder of the Withernsea Branch and was a well respected ‘Branch and Fans Liaison Director’ for a couple of years, during which he made many contacts around the world. Popular BOB HORTON will be sadly missed. Bob was the chairman of the Driffield OSC branch and a lifelong Hull City fan. Bob gained notoriety, particularly on Radio Humberside, when he became known as ‘Heart Attack Bob’ after experiencing, and survived heart attacks on two separate occasions at away games. He didn’t let a broken leg prevent him attending City’s first ever F.A. Cup final either! Bob had a dry sense of humour and will be sadly missed, especially on the minibus trips back and forth to Driffield.
Our thoughts are with the families of all three men. Got something to share in the next edition? Email: Tigermag@hullcityosc.co.uk TIGERMAG 32
www.hullcityosc.com
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 33
Missed the last episode of Tigeropolis? Find previous issues of TIGERMAG at www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 34
www.hullcityosc.com
PUZZLE PAGE
QUICK QUIZ - How well do you know your club? 1. Which of these is the odd one out and why; Phil Brown, Iain Dowie or Nigel Pearson? 2. Who was nicknamed ‘The India Rubber Man’?
Q.4 & 6
3. What animal is ‘Hull City Tiger’ and who owns it? 4. Can you identify this fixture? 5. Who was in goal for City that day? 6. Can you name the Hull City midfielder in the picture? 7. What extinct animal was once associated with Hull City? 8. Which former Hull City striker joined Beijing Renhe FC in 2016? 9. What was the Boothferry Park site used as before it became a football ground? 10. Which former Scunthorpe United chairman sacked Mark Hatley after his consortium bought City from David Lloyd?
TIGER CUBS Can you find the hidden Tiger in this issue?
?
FACT: IN 1984 CHAIRMAN DON ROBINSON DECLARED HULL CITY WOULD BE THE FIRST TEAM TO PLAY ON THE MOON!
For the answers to the Quick Quiz and the Get A Proper Job Game – see P38
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 35
TIGERMAG 36
www.hullcityosc.com
AMERICANO - LATTE - CAPPUCCINO HOT CHOCOLATE - MOCHA - TEA
Mobile coffee barista bringing freshly ground espresso coffee and hot drinks to your event or function.
07854 698688 www.espressovan-gogh.co.uk
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 37
EVENTS DIARY & UPDATES WEBSITE FAN OF THE WEEK: Our ‘Fan of the Week’ website feature has been reinstated. For local fans who can be presented with an OSC goody bag at the Airco pre-match, and for fans who live overseas or out of the locality for away games. Nominations are required, together with photos and a little biography of their Hull City story. To nominate a fan email: events@hullcityosc.co.uk STADIUM TOURS: We are still working with the club to schedule stadium tours at the KCOM under a new format but advise that there are no tours available at the moment. We will keep OSC members informed but in the meantime if you would like to join us on a stadium tour in the future please email: events@hullcityosc.co.uk and we’ll add you to the mailing list for any updates. REGULAR QUIZ NIGHTS: The OSC runs regular charity pub quizzes. Join us at the Green Dragon, Welton on the first Monday of every month or at The Constable Arms, Sproatley every second Monday of the month. Both events meet at 8pm for an 8:30pm start. £1 per person, maximum 6 people per team. MEET THE PLAYERS NIGHTS: The new format at the KCOM Stadium has proven hugely popular with a panel of four players attending each event. The next one will be scheduled shortly and we hold occasional ex-player events locally too. Keep checking our website, Facebook and Twitter for details.
EX-PLAYERS AT THE AIRCO ARENA: Ever wondered what happened to your favourite players? John Williams interviews ex-Tigers before every home match (evening fixtures not included). Pop in for a pint and some entertaining yarns. COMPETITIONS: Did you know that we have regular competitions? Check our email newsletter
(contact marketing@hullcityosc.co.uk if you’re not receiving them), social media and website for details - you can enter most of our competitions regardless of your geographic location.
REMAINING FIXTURES
QUIZ ANSWERS Quick Quiz Answers: 1. Iain Dowie because he was hired as a ‘Football Management Consultant’ and was never officially City’s manager. 2. Billy Bly. 3. A race horse; owned by indie band ‘Pavement’. 4. Aston Villa (A) FA Cup 3rd round 1998/99. 5. Steve Wilson. 6. Ben Morley. 7. City owned shares in Hoveringham Gravel which had a Mammoth on its logo. 8. Nikica Jelavić. 9. Golf Course. 10. Tom Belton. Get A Proper Job: 1. David Marshall 2. Andy Robertson 3. Robert Snodgrass – all three have been capped by Scotland.
TIGERMAG 38
www.hullcityosc.com
www.hullcityosc.com
TIGERMAG 39
Supplying the fish to your chips
Glerรกrgata 30, Akureyri, Iceland Ph: +354 560 9000
The Orangery, Hesslewood Country Office Park, Hessle, East Yorkshire, HU13 0LH Ph: 01482 645500
www.samherji.is
TIGERMAG produced by AC PRINT LTD. 0800 093 2960 www.acprintltd.co.uk