Former Hull City favourite Sam Clucas has revealed his delight at the club’s return to the Premier League and delivered an insight into what fans can expect from new signing Jack Butland.
Butland became the Tigers’ first signing since winning promotion at Wembley back in May, and is expected to start a flurry of new arrivals as the club gears up for life in the top-flight.
Clucas, who registered just shy of a century of appearances for City, including 37 in the Premier League in the Tigers’ last top-flight campaign in 2016/17, knows Butland well having played with the experienced stopper in the Potteries with Stoke City.
Now at Shrewsbury Town, the 35-year-old will be a keen observer to see how his former club and teammate get on when they kick off their campaign in less than seven weeks with a huge showdown with Manchester United at the MKM Stadium.
“I was away on holiday and watched the play-off final in Spain and was over the moon,” Clucas told the club. “It’s where the club belongs. I still know a few of the players there and a lot of the staff, and they fully deserve to be back in the Premier League. I hope they establish themselves in the Premier League for years to come, and hopefully, I’ll be across to watch a few games when I get chance as I always look out for the results.”
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Speaking about Butland, Clucas praised the 33-year-old for his professionalism and suggested the former England goalkeeper will be a huge figure in the dressing room.
“It’s a great signing for the club,” he continued. “He’s going to bring his wealth of experience from playing in the Premier League previously and also playing for his country. He’ll bring his leadership qualities and will be a good figure around the dressing room as well on the training pitch.
“Jack’s great in the dressing room and well-liked by teammates. His career speaks for itself, so he gets respect from everyone in the changing room. He is a great role model for all players, and especially the goalkeepers, to look up to and learn from. You don’t have a career like his and still be playing top-level football if you’re not a total professional, which he is.
“He’ll be great for the keepers to learn from and watch what he does day in, day out to keep himself at the top of his game. He’s a good trainer and demands high quality and professionalism on the training ground.
“He’s obviously a quality goalkeeper. Just one look at his CV will tell you that. He’s got everything. He’s a great shot stopper as well as good with his feet, as I alluded to earlier; he’s a leader on and off the pitch and is a top signing for Hull.”
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