IT’S been five long seasons, full of drama, change, and
excitement, since Hull City were promoted to the Premier league for the first
time in their history. In that time, the Tigers have seen a wholesale change,
with the face of the club undergoing a major transplant, as well as the staff,
players, and expectation levels of the fans.
So where exactly do they stand in comparison with the Phil
Brown’s heroes of that historic season?
As this season of 2012/13 draws close to the half-way point,
a new breed of player, hope and expectation, consolidates the Tigers to be
contenders in the eyes of many for the remainder of their time in The
Championship.
At this stage of the season in their promotion year, the
beginning of December had seen the Tigers amount a tally of 27 points,
consisting of 7 wins, 6 draws, and 6 defeats, scoring a total of 25 goals, and
conceding 20. This saw them sitting 10th place going into the
festive season.
A stop start beginning for the first part of this season
under Bruce, has finally ignited, and has seen them rise from the mediocrity of
mid table, to play off challenging, and potentially title winning contenders.
They currently place 6th in the table, and have already
surpassed the point’s tally of that promotion winning side by amounting 32
points, with 10 wins, 2 draws, and 7 defeats.
This is a considerably wealthier position from the one in which
they found themselves in that promotion season, yet they still defied the odds,
and roared their way through the table, mauling the opposition aside to cement
their place in history.
Soon after the festive season, The Black and Amber Army found
their stride, and with the arrival of a certain Mr Campbell, the team formed
into one of the most formidable and free flowing football teams in the
division, guided by the well-considered judgment of Phil Brown and Brian
Horton.
They finished 3rd in the final league standings
with a points total of 75, just 4 behind second placed Stoke City and the
Automatic promotion places, before finally sealing their fate through that
wondrous day at Wembley.
Some may feel that this season may be even closer than the
last time we were in such a strong looking position in this league, and it
would be important to remember just where the Tigers where heading, prior to interventions
of the Allam family and others over the last decade or so.
The Tigers have consolidated themselves as one of the
contenders this season, and that is in no small part due to the rise in status
they have received over the last decade. A promotion spring under Peter Taylor saw
them rise from the depths of the old 3rd Division, and achieve
Premier League status under Brown in a turnaround of just five years.
Much has been said and made of the rise of the Tigers, and
it can be easy for fans to expect a certain level now that the club have
exceeded all expectations in the past.
Hope for the New Year and beyond
Steve Bruce certainly has that weight looming firmly on his
shoulders now, after a surprising but welcomed appointment to the club saw him
succeed hometown favourite Nick Barmby in the summer.
The glamour, attacking flair, and style that has been seen
at the KC and on the travels of the team this season, have recognised City to
be one of the best footballing teams in the division. Sitting in such a prosperous
position going in to a jam packed festive season, the fans and players alike
can only hope that they continue to flourish.
There is high optimism and hope for Hull this year, as they
attempt to recreate the magic of that record breaking season under Phil Brown.
But with the level and brand of football being demonstrated
so far this season, it would not be surprising to see them go that one step
further under Steve Bruce, and with the backing and support of the fans, and
owners the Allam family, bring home The Championship Title come the end of
April.
By Jason Russell
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