Key Defender Missing So Expect Goals, Says Hull Man

Hull preview

By Gavin Mapstone

On Saturday in-form Hull travel to Ashton Gate in what will prove to be a good test as to whether this City team can continue to mount the unlikeliest of promotion bids. Hull have only lost one of their previous thirteen games and that was to West Brom, and it's hard not to be impressed – and very grateful – that they avenged that defeat at the Hawthorns last week. In Windass, Campbell and Folan, Hull have a forward line to match any in the division and whilst now in the veteran stage Okocha is still class on his day. Hull have picked up points at West Brom, Stoke and Charlton since Christmas and so, whilst it pains me to say it, another draw looks the likeliest result. 

Our thanks go to Andy Beill of www.hullcityonline.com for answering a few questions for us and anyone wanting to relive the memories of the 0-0 draw at the KC could do worse than read their excellent match review here.

So Andy, How are Hull playing at the moment?

When we win, we look comfortably as good as any other team in the division. When we slip up, the fans' perennial pessimism returns and unfortunately the team doesn't get the support it deserves for taking us higher up the Football League than we've been in years. We got bigger crowds when we were fighting relegation, not challenging to reach the Premier League! The truth is we've now got a squad of players who are all good enough for this level and the odd slip-up has to be expected while we get used to not being the underdog any more.

What are your expectations for the game?

Confidence is high and we've got players who make things happen when we go forward. Our defence isn't watertight though and regular starter Michael Turner is suspended so expect goals, probably at both ends!

Caleb Folan and Frazier Campbell have been in form lately. What kind of forwards are they and how good are they?

Folan got injured on his debut but when he's been fully fit he looks a real handful for defenders. He puts himself about and can score goals. Campbell is as good as any youngster on loan from a Premier League side. As this is his first season of league football we can't play him for 90 minutes every game. He's skilful, confident, doesn't get intimidated, and creates and scores goals. Everything you want, except for a permanent Hull City contract!

Which Hull players have shone this season and why?

Folan, Campbell and Windass are great forwards who work well together and weigh in with goals. Okocha and Pedersen, when fit, are still top quality players. Bryan Hughes and Richard Garcia have now settled in on the wings and are crucial to our side.

Hull had a clear-out during the transfer window allowing Danny Coles, Stephen McPhee, Sam Collins, Stuart Elliott and Damien Delaney to leave. Will any of them be missed?

None of them were first team regulars with the exception of Delaney, although that was mainly due to being able to cover more than one position, and anyone would have accepted the offer QPR gave us. McPhee and Elliott were unable to show their best regularly enough and just weren't quite good enough for us now we've got higher aspirations.

What were your thoughts on the 0-0 draw at the KC? Who impressed for City that day?

A disappointing game. After a run of three wins, our momentum stopped. You had us well figured out for that game.

Who owns Hull and are they doing a good job?

Paul Duffen bought Hull City from Adam Pearson in the summer, with a hard act to follow. There's a few grumbles that we're not ambitious enough in the transfer market, but that's a little unfair when we've spent £1 million on Caleb Folan and have also brought in big name (and big wage) players like Jay-Jay Okocha and Henrik Pedersen. Hopefully we've done so without unsettling the books, but we'll see further down the line how the chairman's doing!

If you make the play-offs which teams do you fear?

West Brom seemed to be the strongest team in the division but we won at the Hawthorns last week, so we've shown we can beat anyone on our day. It's the teams lower down the table we tend to struggle against.

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