How do you feel about the season from a Hull perspective so far ?
Inconsistent. Moments of quality, good results, and promising
signings, usually followed by defeat due to stupid goals given away or
just an all-round terrible performance. If we get relegated it'll be
our own fault as we have nothing to fear in this division and would be
able to see the top half of the table if we play to potential.
Any big news at the club at the moment?
Things seem to have quietened down since we got rid of our assistant
manager and coach and brought in replacements, which has been followed
by a three match unbeaten run. Otherwise, like for the last 15 months,
it's just injuries that are making the news!
Who are your players to watch?
Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill is a great shot stopper - as you'll have seen
with his two penalty saves at the Britannia Stadium last season!
Michael Bridges rolls back the years from time to time with moments of
brilliance, but has struggled to keep a place in the starting eleven.
Stuart Elliott is always capable of a goal, and Craig Fagan is always
a thorn in the opposition, and has managed to add some end product to
his recent performances.
Any injuries affecting your team selection for the game?
Centre forward Jon Parkin is out with an ankle injury. He's a key
player in the team, but we do have different types of forwards to
replace him. Danny Mills has been a different class during his loan
spell for the last two months but has unfortunately suffered a shin
fracture and returned to Manchester City. Captain Ian Ashbee serves
the last of a three-match ban. Defender Sam Collins is out for the
season with a micro-fracture to his knee. Ex-Port Vale forward Steve
McPhee is returning from 15 months out injured, but won't be fit for
Saturday. Utility player Ryan France may still be missing as well.
How do you view Stoke City this season?
After a poor start (if we're allowed to give any other team that
label!) yo've managed to creep up the table just with a few wins. Lee
Hendrie must be a great boost, but losing Luke Chadwick to Norwich
seems a bit surprising.
Your Prediction on the score?
Hopefully we can get over our inconsistency by following last week's
win against Wolves with another one on Saturday.