City have just seven games to dictate how a fine season ends
Sergej Jakirovic has enjoyed a terrific season with Hull City(Image: Greig Cowie/Shutterstock)
There may be those people who say that some underlying data suggests Hull City are overperforming, but 39 games into the Championship season, only four clubs have more points.
And ultimately, your points total is the barometer that dictates where you finish in the final Championship table on May 2. As it stands, Sergej Jakirovic’s men are on course to be fifth.
Of course, a lot can change. Nothing is guaranteed and City’s form has been patchy in recent weeks. Their much-needed win over Sheffield Wednesday before the international break was as important as any of the 19 that went before it, and means they have a three-point cushion to the chasing pack, and are just five behind Middlesbrough in the second automatic promotion spot.
Few could argue that City’s season so far has been anything less than an eight out of 10. Arguably, given the issues they came into the season with: a new manager, transfer restrictions, and the memories of a final-day Hoodini act that saw them stave off relegation to League One by only goal difference.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest Hull City news and analysis on our Hull Live FB page
Expectations were tempered somewhat. There was an overriding feeling that a season of relative calm would be just the ticket. To get the finances back in order, to keep within the rules and ensure the club can trade normally again this summer. At the time of writing, the expectation is that City will be able to trade again, whatever league they may find themselves in.
The fact that we’re heading into the final seven games with City in fifth place, and their destiny in the palm of their own hands, is in many ways, pinch yourself stuff.
Yes, players like Oli McBurnie arriving raised some expectations, and certainly in the dressing room, there was a steely determination to have a good season, and in the Championship, you know that if you’re competitive, you can win a few games, you’ve got half a chance, and so it’s proved.
And yes, there have been some shockers. Bristol City away, Middlesbrough at home and just the other weekend, that dismal showing in West Bromwich. They’ve had opportunities that they’ve passed up, but they’ve also claimed points when they probably didn’t deserve to, so you take what you’ve got, points on the board. They’ve done superbly.
Those no-shows have been few and far between. City are where they are on merit, and have earned the opportunity, but now they must not allow all their hard work to be undone, and throw away what is a remarkable opportunity.
Over 39 games, City have proved they can challenge; now over the remaining seven, they must finish the job and ensure they remain in the play-offs, at the very least.
It won’t take much more to turn what’s been a fantastic season so far and worthy of an eight, into a firm 10, and either in the next seven, or possibly 10 games, will dictate that.
How would you rate City’s season so far? Have your say in the comments below
Here at Hull Live , we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group.
You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.