Tigers turn for home

The aftermath of Portugal now firmly behind them, the Tigers turn for home as the final preparations before life in the Championship commences. Below, City Independent look at the fallout from their Portuguese escapade and take a look at the current round up of news and events that are circulating round the club at the present... 

Hull City's stalwart defensive full back Andy Dawson believes there are plenty of positives to take out of the recent pre-season tour to Portugal despite suffering a 4-2 defeat to Premier League Sunderland - a match that saw ex-Tiger Fraizer Campbell bag four goals for the Black Cats in the friendly clash in Albufeira.

Dawson explained afterwards - 'It has been a very good trip. Coming away and training regularly is part and parcel of pre-season. It's a bit different to training at home in Cottingham but it's all fitness in the bank. The weather has been red hot but we've been keeping out of the sun during the day and training hard in the morning and evenings. It's different to training at home but it's all good for our fitness levels in the build up to the first game of the season against Swansea.'

Adding - 'Obviously we would have preferred a better result (against Sunderland) but it's pre-season and it's all about learning where we can improve, it's better to get things right now before there are any points at stake. We'll look at the Sunderland game and talk about it and make sure we iron out our mistakes and we'll take the positives into the season.'

Meanwhile, City manager Nigel Pearson got see possible loan transfer target Martyn Waghorn first hand during the friendly match. However, the proposed deal that may see a season long loan deal struck between all parties appears to have been scuppered by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce who has scotched the prospect of the promising striker of moving to the Circle.

Bruce confirmed as such after the match with Hull City to state - 'The kid was outstanding on loan last season and now I think that 70 per cent of the Championship would like to take him. I have said that his future is with us this year and nothing has changed. I wouldn't have thought I would be loaning him out this season.'

Back to matters in the Tigers control, one player not in Portuguese attendance was striker Kamel Ghilas. The Algerian international has been primed for a move away from City for the season on loan and that deal appears to be nearing it's conclusion. If sources close to City Independent are correct, then the pacy forward is set to clinch a loan deal with a French club in the next few days and release a further £16k of the City wage bill.

Finally, sad news for all the carol singers amongst the City faithful. Club chaplain Reverend Allen Bagshawe has decided to hang up his cross and retire from his duties. The Tigers' very own man of god claimed - 'When I first came here the bishop told me to give it four or five years and see how we get on. But I am a stubborn old mule and thought I will at least double that – although I never thought it would last more than 31 years. I could have gone whenever I wanted, but, it never seemed appropriate to move away. My heart did not want me to stray.'

Awww bless...

 

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