Historical success
Promotion to the Premier League is certainly a historical success for the Tigers, especially when you know that only 5 seasons ago they were still in what was then called Division Three, which corresponds to today's League Two. Such a swift rise, from League Two to Premier League is the third fastest promotion in history which speaks enough of Phil Brown's feat. The task in the next season will be even harder since Hull will try to survive in the Premier League that has never been stronger. Only six out of last 16 play-offs winners succeeded in doing that. Paul Duffen, owner of the club from KC stadium obviously has a good plan so it would be no wonder if the club produced another surprise.
Still looking for back-ups
Hull are definitely stronger than last year, at least that's what roster says, but the question is if this will be enough. The most important thing for Brown is that he has managed to keep the squad which gave some excellent performance last season. The only exception is Frazier Campbell, on-loan from Manchester United last season who scored 15 goals for Hull and was the last piece of the puzzle that brought Hull to an elite spot. Unfortunately for Hull fans, young Campbell decide to fight for his place in his favourites club, so Brown failed to allure Ferguson to give him up even for a fantastic offer of Ł6 million. Couple of players that could be quite helpful reinforced the club. The resonating name is certainly Brazilian Geovanni who started the last season excellently in Manchester City, but failed to keep the form till the end. Brazilian could bring in the necessary creativity in the midfield, while defense is stronger for Gardner who came from Tottenham and Mendy (PSG/Bolton), and the Boateng, former Middlesbrough captain will join the midfield. All three of them are good players and they could help the club, but they are also known to have setbacks in form. Hull are seeking for more strikers. They are trying to bring Pizzaro from Chelsea and if they succeed in that intent, a quite good squad able to fight for survival will be at disposal.
In
Boateng (Middlesbrough), Geovanni (Manchester City), Gardner (Tottenham - loan), Mendy (PSG/Bolton), Fagan (Derby), Halmosi (Plymouth), Warner (Fulham)
Out
Campbell (return to Manchester United)
Everything depends on the start of the season
The start of the season is crucial for Hull. They must try to mark good results in the opening matches in order to boost players' confidence and the opening of the season against Fulham and Wigan at home and Blackburn away will be crucial for them to prove they can play in this rank. The key question is whether they will solve the situation about the striker and if the eventual back-up, if they bring one, will manage to adjust from the start. We feel that Hull are a little late and that they need few more players with experience in Premier League in order to survive. If they manage to add King and Pizzaro as suggested, or if they manage to take Campbell back from united after Berbatov sign, they could stay in the elite.
Our tip: Hull City to survive in the elite
Odds 3.40
Bookmaker: Bet365
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG
