City made it three new signings this month, with the experienced Northern Irishman joining
Paddy McNair is Hull City’s latest arrival (Image: Hull City AFC)
New Hull City signing Paddy McNair says the influence of Ryan Giles and Matt Crooks played a part in his decision to join the promotion-chasing Tigers.
City snapped up the former Manchester United defender on a permanent deal after he negotiated his exit from MLS side San Diego, and he could be in the squad at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
McNair is no stranger to the Championship, having played more than 200 times for Middlesbrough, appearing alongside Tigers stars Crooks and Giles.
The pair offered a helpful insight into life at City, in a similar way to the role John Lundstram played in smoothing the path for Kieran Dowell last week.
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“It feels great to be here. It had been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks, so I’m very happy to get it over the line,” the Northern Irishman said after his move was sealed.
“I had a Zoom call with the manager a few weeks ago. He seems quite laid-back and chilled, and everyone speaks highly of him. I also spoke to ‘Crooksy’ (Matt Crooks) and ‘Gilo’ (Ryan Giles) before I came, and they said all the lads in the changing room are great.
“I’ve played in the Championship for a lot of seasons, and the one thing I’m missing is a promotion. It was a great opportunity to come to a big club that’s sitting well in the table. It would be great if we can push on towards the end of the season and get that goal.
“My best quality is probably with the ball. I love finding passes between the lines and competing. There’s nothing better than competing and getting three points.”
McNair has been in the MLS since leaving Boro in Jul 2024 and played 26 times in California, but did return for a loan spell at West Brom last season, and he says he’s relishing the unique atmosphere of playing in England once again.
“The biggest thing I missed while playing in America was definitely the atmosphere. I can’t wait to get back among it, competing and helping the team,” he added.
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