Lewie Coyle insists Hull City’s start to the season has left them in ‘dreamland’ and that they have the blueprint for a shot at Premier League survival.
The Tigers captain has started all five of City’s top flight fixtures, which have yielded eight points, eighth place and challenged the assumption last season’s play-off winners will go straight back down to the Championship.
Indeed Sergej Jakirovic’s men announced their arrival with a 2-0 opening day victory over Manchester United, since when they have taken points off Aston Villa, Chelsea and fellow-promoted outfit Coventry City.
Speaking to Sky Sports Coyle said: “Incredible start, a start we could have only dreamed of. I think it was really, really important that we got off to that really good start against a fantastic Man United side.
“Of course, a 2-0 win at home, we were in dreamland after the game, I’m not going to sit here and try and play it cool, it was an incredible result for everybody.
“But one that, when you actually watch it back, the game is how we won games last year in the Championship, not having a lot of the ball, in that mid-block and we’ll punish teams when we get our chance.
“Of course, a 2-0 win over Man United at home, first game of the Premier League season to a lot of people it’s a shock, but for us we have that sort of quiet confidence inside the dressing room that we will be a problem for teams.
“It’s an incredible start, there’s no going around it, it’s an incredible start and one that puts us in a nice spot.
“But we just need to keep that momentum going and keep believing in the reasons that have given us those four performances and four results, stick to that and see where it takes us.
“I’ve not got a crystal ball or can imagine how it’s all going to pan out, but we’ve shown in the first four games that we’re here to compete.
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“We’re here to not just make the numbers up, we’re going to bring our style of football – and what we bring, what we’re good at, what we’re efficient at.
“Those four games for this group have to be a real marker to say, when we get things right and we do all the basics of what you have to do to have a chance of winning a football game, added with the quality, the togetherness, the spirit, show you that we’ve got a real chance.”
Perhaps as gratifying as anything is the fact that their opening day starting XI featured eight players who were with the club last term.
“I think that’s testament to the lads and testament to that core group that was a real main factor in the success in last year,” Coyle continued.
“I think that’s where the club and the gaffer and all the staff have got it right for these first four games.
“Of course, at times, the team’s going to change, it’s an incredibly tough, demanding league, but I think you get that balance right, you’ve got your core group, you’ve got the fantastic talent that you bring in and it’s for a manager and a club to find that real balance of what’s effective. Through four games I think we’ve got it spot on.
“It’s not going to get any easier, it’ll become even tougher but we’re in a good spot and I’m just really, really pleased for everyone involved.”
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