Hull City head into Tuesday night’s meeting with play-off rivals Derby County knowing they can take a huge step towards sealing a play-off place.
Just 14 games remain for the Tigers, and victory over the Rams would open up a nine-point gap between themselves and one of their closest challengers.
While the focus in the remaining 14 games is on sealing a place in the Championship’s play-offs, planning is well underway for all eventualities, according to City‘s sporting director, Jared Dublin, who confirmed transfer lists have already been drawn up, should the Tigers seal promotion in the next three months.
Dublin says the club’s recruitment plans are well underway, as he talks finances, staying within FFP rules, contracts, injuries and the training ground in Cottingham, amongst plenty of other things.
Hull Live sat down with City’s sporting director for an exclusive chat, and here’s a round-up of what he’s had to say….
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The season so far
“It’s been a fantastic season thus far, can’t complain with regards to points returned. We’ve got 14 games to go and to be in the top six at this stage is fantastic, and it’s credit to Sergej and his coaching staff and the players for doing the business.
“Now, we’ve gotta finish what we’ve started, but trust me, at the beginning of the season we spoke about top half, top 10 being a realistic target, and I was always ambitious about the group because I believe in the players we’ve got and in Sergej’s ability to get the best out of them.
“That’s come true, at least to date, and now we’ve got to try and push on and make sure we capitalise on what was a very good start. It’s not where you start and where you end up with 32 (games) played, it’s where you end up with 46 when it’s all said and done. So, it’s a big lift to the end of the season, but a challenge I think the boys are relishing.”
Recovering from a rare slump in form
“It’s a resilient group, and that’s something that’s hard to find, and it’s something that’s seen us through those tough spells previously. It’s a different problem to solve. It’s a different question you’re being asked, so it’s not, ‘Can you go and hit us on the counter to find your goals? Can you now break a low block down?’
“It’s a different type of football in terms of what you play on a match day because people are giving you the respect. We’ve felt that we’ve added those players that we think can help us in those elements, a bit of extra quality, a bit of extra guile, and Sergej has shown an ability to win games in different ways, and that’s one reason why we brought him into the club to begin with.
“The chairman (Acun Ilicali) was so big on Sergej being the right coach for Hull City in the Championship to get us to punch above our weight. We believe we’ll find the answers to those questions. And again, enjoy the respect that’s been given, but still go and imprint our football on the opposition.”
Reflections on January
“Really strong window, especially considering the restrictions. We couldn’t go and buy an Eliott Matazo from Monaco, so you’re still dealing with free agents and loans, but no loan fees and 25-man squads. You’re balancing loads to try and still improve the group.
“We feel we’ve done that. The gaffer wanted to add athleticism and some real pace into the team. Lewis Koumas has come in, and he’s our fastest player, so that’s one element.
“He’s delivered three points already away at Blackburn in what was pretty much a 0-0 game if we’re being totally honest about the way the game went. He comes in, changes the game goal, and potentially an assist for Kyle (Joseph), which didn’t come to pass.
“Players like him, players like Toby Collyer, who’s an absolute machine in midfield. He’s picked up a slight knock but is coming back hopefully quickly to help us in midfield. These types of athletes, players with Premier League athleticism, were what we felt we needed to add to the group.
“Of course, with some proven quality like Kieran Dowell, who’s been promoted, he’s got a fantastic left foot, set pieces, and already has a goal to his name.
“Every game that goes by will always be the question of, ‘Is this the right player? Did you get January right?’ We’ll see where we are in 14 games from now, maybe even 17 games, you never know.
“We believe we’ve exited the window stronger than when we entered it, especially considering the restrictions and a 25-man squad to consider.
“It’s a real credit to Hodgey (Martin Hodge, head of recruitment) and the group to identify the right players and the owner (Acun Ilicali) supporting myself and the gaffer to get things done.”
What discussions are being had about making loans permanent – Joe Gelhardt being one?
“Division being probably the most important, and with Joffy (Gelhardt) in particular, where Leeds are, should they maintain Premier League status or come down, so there’s loads of moving parts.
“On the Joffy one, it’s very clear. I’ve been very vocal, the chairman, the gaffer, Joffy knows how much we love him, how much we value him, how much we would love for him to continue his Hull City story. That’s case closed on that one. We’ll see what happens.
“The other ones, there have definitely been conversations internally about if these loans go well and players continue to show what we’re seeing thus far, that we would look at taking the permanent or another loan potentially if that suits all parties.
“We want to get to the stage where we have continuity in the group. We’re not just a revolving door of players in and out and trying to find chemistry and trying to find relationships, hopefully bringing some back as we did with Joffy would help, whether that’s permanent or a loan, we’ll see come summer.”
Planning ahead for the Premier League or another season in the Championship
“Fully two lists, that’s the part of the job, that’s a lot of man-hours that will go into recruitment. We’ve already had a few meetings. Hodgey (Martin Hodge), myself, and the recruitment staff about this, it is just the reality of where we are.
“We’ve earned the right to be here, and now we have to put the work in to make sure that come May, we’re not undercooked, underprepared if we were to achieve great things. You need to maintain two lists, that’s the route we’re going down, and it’ll be a very busy three months, I can’t lie.”
Does David Akintola still have a future?
“Potentially (he could be registered). If it’s one whereby Yu sees the specialist, and we’ll see what the feedback is. How long he could be out, hoping that the ankle has a bit of strength still left in it, so he doesn’t need surgery, but it’ll be a Bristol City decision on what happens with Yu.
“We’ll see what then happens with David off the back of that if we’re in a situation where Yu has an op, and we go to the EFL saying we want to de-register him potentially. There’s a lot of ifs, ands and buts for that one. In terms of the core scenario where we’re starting as a base, the 24th and 25th spots are there for Eliott and Mo Belloumi, assuming they both return to full fitness and are available for selection.
“If not for whatever reason, re-injuries happen, contact injuries happen in training, and then David’s still here, part of the group (that could happen). To give David all the credit in the world, he’s the player with the biggest smile on his face on the training pitch. The lads love him; he’s been brilliant around the place.
“David’s been fantastic in what’s a difficult period, but he’s contributed with three points against Sheffield United at home and the Preston performance away. The boys and the coaching staff respect him, and that respect is mutual. We’re in this for a collective end goal, which only benefits David in the end as well.”
How are things looking financially and what lessons have been learned about last summer’s issues?
“Big lessons learned. We’ve taken our medicine. Two windows without being able to pay a transfer fee or a loan fee, we’ve learned the hard way for sure.
“Now communication lines are much better. The chairman and myself are on top of everything, along with Mustafa (Yokes, vice chairman) and Joe (Clutterbrook), on the other side of the house. I think that part has improved.
“We’ve come out better than where we entered the situation, which is standard. That’s not anything to be proud of, but we are looking at constantly improving and evolving.
“The finance team have definitely got the house in order and delivered some fantastic reports for the EFL in terms of the January window to free us up to do other bits. They deserve credit for when things are going well, as well as the stick for when maybe things aren’t up to par. Overall, that side’s seen definite improvement.
“There’s no concern that we’ll breach (PSR). It’s not where you are today, it’s where you are on June 30. You’re always having a look and trying to play with your crystal ball in terms of how many starts will this person make, or that person, or who gets promoted from League One, and contingent fees there.
“There’s a confidence that we’ll make sure we tweak anything that needs tweaking in May and June, if needed. At the end of the day, you’re always monitoring it, you’re always aware. It’s not that you’re just gonna sit back and not pay attention, and it hits you on June 30, and we’re in the same situation. We’re on top of it. We’re confident that no breaches will be made.”
Are you confident the suspended third window fee restriction won’t be activated?
“Yeah, up to today, which is all I can speak about, there would be no issues for us to trade normally come summer. We fully expect to exit this season and enter next season, being able to trade as normal in the summer window. To date, we’ve done all of our work to make sure that doesn’t come to pass.”
Any progress on Regan Slater’s contract?
“We have an option, so the club has protection in terms of Regan next season. We love Regan. I think the gaffer’s been very vocal about his love for Regan.
“I’m sitting down with his representatives shortly to go through where they’re at and where we’re at. We have to maximise our position financially, and this is the max we can do, and that’s all we can do.
“Of course, there’s been other interest in the press with regards to Sheff United and other bits, and whether or not he sees his future elsewhere.
“We love Regan, and we want to find a way to make it work for everybody. There are limits to what we can do, and that’s the reality of being a Championship club. It’s too early for me to say if I’m confident this or that were to happen in terms of the end results, but Regan knows we hold him in high regard. Regan also knows that we will do everything we can to find an agreement if it suits all parties.”
What’s the latest with the MKM Stadium pitch?
“It’s had a heavy few weeks, that’s an understatement. It’s been a combination of a few things. Don’t get me wrong, the weather’s probably been one of the rainiest starts to the year I can remember, so it’s not been a great start to the year weather-wise.
“We’ve had re-arranged Watford and we’ve had Chelsea at home instead of Ipswich away. We’ve had rugby, so the pitch is getting hammered.
“Even if you look at some of the Premier League games the other day, the pitches aren’t looking necessarily up to a pristine standard because it’s a cold, wet start to the year. In terms of the pitch, we’re doing everything we can to improve, and we take pride in the pitch.
“When we see it at a suboptimal level, we want to improve. The owner being there for the pitch inspection for QPR, showing the level of attention we’re giving it, and making sure that we rectify the situation as soon as possible.
“We’re working all the man-hours we can, the lights are on the pitch at all hours of the day to make sure that we maximise the grass that we’ve got and make sure that we can deliver an elite playing surface as soon as possible.
“The weather will help, don’t get me wrong, and time will help, and nature will help, but we can continue to do everything we can to make sure we’re putting a shift in to make sure the pitch is right.”
Why are there so many injuries?
“The ACLs were unlucky. If you start from the big ones. Your Mo (Belloumi), your Millar, your Matazo, it’s nothing to do with the pitch. Yu, the other day, it was a contact injury.
“There’s a balance of, I know we can always say that this is not the standard, that’s not the standard. This has been the training ground for a long time at Hull City, so it’s not as though we’ve dipped in terms of standard.
“It’s seen good seasons of injuries and bad seasons. The past two have not been great. We need to do more to improve the training facilities here.
“We’ve actually invested quite a lot in terms of the gym, the astro, everything around the training ground, things that fans maybe do not see in terms of investment that the owner has given to the training ground to make sure it’s always continually improving.
“Sometimes we can find easy excuses. They can be better, and we’re working to make sure that they do improve the firmness of the pitches at the training ground and just the overall tightness around it.
“The ground staff are working every hour to make sure that things are better. I’m not saying that we’re best in class and that’s good enough; we have to continue to improve on that aspect.”
Is the training ground up to scratch?
“Everyone wants what you don’t have, you know what I mean? I was at Sheff United, being in a more similar working environment to here in terms of the pitches and the facilities and in Stoke, where everything’s beautiful and fantastic, but I wouldn’t trade our league position for Stoke’s.
“Sometimes, and we speak about this all the time, the owner is very much on board with the feel of the training ground, the feel of the environment, and I’d take a working man’s hard, rough exterior if it means that we’re providing the right type of environment for players to come through. If it’s too luxurious, if it’s too nice, if everything is given to you, I don’t know if that’s necessarily going to be what’s going to produce a Hull City player and a Hull City top-end Championship player, potentially a Premier League player.
“It’s a balance and trust me, Leicester’s (training ground) fantastic, it’s beautiful, it’s an unbelievable training facility, £100m (worth), but would I trade our environment for theirs?
“I would improve ours for sure, but the feel of our training ground, I wouldn’t trade because the feel is that it’s a place of work. We’ve done the players’ lounge, which the fans won’t see, but the players’ lounge is beautiful. The players spend time in there. They’re playing pool, they’re playing Xbox, PS5, shuffleboard, whatever they play. These things keep players here longer, so we can feed them with proper food and fuel them properly.
“We redid some of the racks in the gym and new iPads. All these things are small bits that give bigger gains in terms of performance, time at the training ground, and more time on site, which is great.
“Don’t get me wrong, we want to improve. It’s not as though we’re happy with where we are, but there has been an investment into this facility, and an investment that’s geared towards A performance or B time on site.”
Where are things at with the MKM Stadium development to bring the academy on-site?
“We have another meeting next month on the stadium expansion, but I’ll be honest, there is also the second element at play, whereby if we were to be a team in a different division next season and looking at Premier League dreams, we will be potentially looking at one site for the first team and the academy as an ideal.
“We have ideals, and we work down off of what’s real and what’s financially feasible off of that, but we are doing the work on that score as well to see if we can make dreams come true.
“What does that look like financially, location-wise, plots of land, so we’re evaluating all options. That’s credit to Joe (Clutterbrook) and his staff at the stadium, who are really working to make sure that, whether it’s stadium expansion or a joint site, it’s the right move for us long term.”
You can listen to the full feature-length interview right here in a special episode of the 1904 Club
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