9 Years ago: Season Starts with #QPR Home Loss to Hull

[Macmoish]

9 Years Ago Today: Opening Day - Home to Loss to Hull

- The Live Match Thread
www.qprreport.proboards.com/thread/39730/start-early-qpr-hull-thread


@tonyfernandes: One of those days but many positives and on our day woukd have been another result. Last two starts in ... t.co/ZRLJ0Teyxg


QPR (3-5-2) Green; Caulker, Ferdinand, Dunne (Zamora 78); Simpson (Phillips, 68) , Faurlin (Hoilett 69), Mutch, Barton, Traore; Remy, Austin Subs Hill, Onuoha, Henry, Murphy Booked Dunne

Hull (3-4-2-1) McGregor; Chester, Bruce (McShane 45), Davies; Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Livermore, Robertson; Ince (Myler 82), Snodgrass (Quinn 40); Jelavic Subs Figueroa, Brady, Harper, Aluko Booked Davies, Jelavic


GUARDIAN

Hull City’s Allan McGregor denies Charlie Austin to secure win at QPR

Paul Doyle at Loftus Road
@paul_Doyle

Saturday 16 August 2014 12.03 EDT
Last modified on Wednesday 1 March 2017 03.57 EST

James Chester will never eclipse Rio Ferdinand’s career achievements but the Hull City centre-back did elude the former England captain here to head a precious winning goal and ruin QPR’s return to the Premier League. That crowned a gleaming display by the 25-year-old, but Ferdinand had been impeccable until that point and Rangers had been on top.

Chester’s 52nd-minute strike will stand as a painful reminder to Harry Redknapp’s promoted side that in the Premier League teams can pay a hefty price for squandering chances. Charlie Austin missed their most obvious opportunity, his 83rd-minute penalty being saved by Allan McGregor, but the hosts spurned several openings before that, especially in a first half in which they started timidly before working up an impressive head of steam and threatening to blow away the visitors.

“I was very pleased with how we played, some days it just does not go your way,” said Redknapp. “We played ever so well in the first half. We had good control, a good shape and we passed it well and created good chances.”

That is true. Rangers looked solid in a 3-5-2 formation with Ferdinand and another new signing, Steven Caulker, combining with Richard Dunne to prevent Hull from mustering a single shot on target in the first period.

The visitors did seem more fluent in the early stages but once Loïc Rémy forced a save from McGregor in the 13th minute, Rangers grew in confidence and took charge.

Alejandro Faurlin fizzed a low shot wide after swivelling near the penalty spot. Joey Barton curled a free-kick into the side netting and Jordon Mutch nodded wide from close range after a fine run and cross by Rémy.

Hull’s worries deepened when one of their new acquisitions, Robert Snodgrass, departed with suspected knee ligament damage just before half-time. Another summer recruit, the 20-year-old Andrew Robertson, saved them in the 43rd minute by heading a Caulker header off the line after a Rangers corner.
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The one upside to Snodgrass’s loss was that his replacement, Stephen Quinn, helped turn the game back in the visitors’ favour. Seven minutes into the second half he delivered a corner and Ferdinand was caught unaware as Chester held him off and headed into the net.

Redknapp said that did not diminish his satisfaction with the 35-year-old’s contribution. “He was excellent, it was almost a masterclass in how to play at the back,” he said. “He looks so comfortable, his touch, his reading of the game. [For the goal] there was plenty of bodies in there, they’re getting blocks in and all sorts and the fellow just spun off him. It was good movement, it can happen.”

Hull could have added a second when Quinn played a canny reverse pass to Thomas Ince but Rob Green blocked well.

They continued their quest for a second and Chester remained a menace from corners, one of his headers leading to Nikica Jelavic whacking a volley inches over and in the 80th minute Chester made a decisive intervention at the other end, clearing a Barton cross just as Rémy readied himself to convert from close range.

Seven minutes from time Chester was harshly penalised when a cross by Junior Hoilett hit his hand but his sense of grievance did not last long as McGregor beat away Austin’s soft spot-kick.

“That’s one win, we need nine more,” said Steve Bruce, for whom survival remains the main ambition. “So that’s one win per month – it sounds easy but it’s not if that was anything to go by.”

Redknapp, meanwhile, is confident his team can achieve the same goal. “We played better here than we did in the majority of our games in the Championship last year and we’re only going to get better,” he said before confirming that the club intends signing “two or three” more players this week.
www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/16/qpr-hull-city-premier-league-match-report



BBC

16 August 2014

BBC Sport
Hull claim first win over QPR at Loftus Road since 1963
Ferdinand and Caulker fail to keep clean sheet on debut
Remy starts for QPR but spurns a number of chances
Hull summer signing Snodgrass injured in first half

QPR made a losing start to life back in the Premier League as James Chester's header gave Hull an opening-day victory at Loftus Road.
Chester outmuscled Rangers debutant Rio Ferdinand at the back post to head in from a corner early in the second half.
The home side had a superb chance to salvage a point after Chester was harshly adjudged to have handled a cross from substitute Junior Hoilett.
But Allan McGregor rescued City by saving Charlie Austin's penalty.
On the balance of play, QPR deserved a point, having created by far the greater number of chances over the course of the game.
Play media

Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
QPR 0-1 Hull: Harry Redknapp sees positives in defeat
Prior to the goal, Rangers' Alejandro Faurlin dragged a shot on the turn wide from inside the box, Joey Barton struck the side-netting with a curling free-kick from 20 yards and summer-signing Steven Caulker saw a header cleared off the line by Hull's off-season recruit Andy Robertson.
But for most top-flight sides, football is all about taking your often limited chances and in this regard, Hull have given the new-comers a valuable refresher lesson.
Chester's header was the away side's first effort on target and one of only a handful throughout the game, yet it gives them the three points and that all-important opening-day platform.
QPR's poor Premier record
QPR have now won just four of their last 40 Premier League matches and have taken just one point from seven opening weekend matches in the competition
The Tigers may have lacked a distinctly Shane Long-sized physical attacking presence - emphasized by the absence of Yannick Sagbo through suspension - but they were well-drilled, disciplined and hard-working throughout.
Even an injury to summer-signing Robert Snodgrass - who had shown signs of a promising partnership down the left with fellow Scot Robertson - did not affect their solidity.
Loic Remy is tackled by Curtis Davies
Remy (right) started the game after seeing a move to Liverpool collapse this summer
And had another of their summer recruits, Tom Ince, slotted home a chance on the break with 15 minutes remaining they could even have avoided the late drama to come.
QPR know only too well how costly a poor start can be after a 16-game winless run at the beginning of their last top-flight campaign in 2012-13 led to their relegation to the Championship.
That season, they suffered an opening-day humiliation as Swansea exposed all of their naivety and defensive deficiencies to claim a 5-0 victory at Loftus Road.
This was a much better display, but it again led to another opening-day defeat for the hosts.
Play media
Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
QPR 0-1 Hull: Steve Bruce praises 'terrific' James Chester
Former England captain Ferdinand is a high-profile addition, designed to provide maturity and authority at the back and for the most part did just that, with his every touch in the first half greeted with grateful applause from the home support.
However, the 35-year-old's most significant act was in allowing Chester to get the better off him at the back post and steer the game's only goal into the bottom corner of the net.
Rangers' subsequent failure to conjure an equaliser will evoke unwelcome memories of their last top-flight campaign when they scored just 30 goals - a league low.
Substitute Bobby Zamora had a superb chance when he was through on goal but allowed Ahmed Elmohamady to tackle him.
Hull tighten up at the back
Prior to Saturday's clean sheet, Hull had conceded two or more goals in each of their last five Premier League fixtures
Loic Remy - who did enough to suggest that talk of a failed medical with Liverpool this summer were wide of the mark - saw the last of a trio of shots saved by McGregor in the closing stages.
Most galling of all for Rangers will be the penalty miss.
Chester was adjudged to have handled Hoilett's cross in the box when the ball appeared to strike his chest, but McGregor ensured any controversy was academic as he dived to his right to push away Austin's tame effort.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp: "Some days it just doesn't go your way.
"You get a penalty late on and I think if we'd scored the penalty we had time to win the game, the momentum was with us. Some days you get the breaks and some days you don't.
"I thought in the first half we played well - we had good control, a good shape to the team, we passed it well and created some good chances so it was encouraging."
Hull boss Steve Bruce: "The referees have got to get together and realise they're making a mockery of it (the rule regarding handball) - it's supposed to be deliberate.
"Chester has got his hand by his side, the ball is a yard away and probably travelling at 50 miles per hour - what's he supposed to do?
"We need to stop all this nonsense and have a bit of common sense."
Armand Traore tackles Nikica Jelavic
Armand Traore played as a wing-back in QPR's 3-5-2 formation
QPR coach Glenn Hoddle (left)
New QPR coach Glenn Hoddle watches on from the stands
James Chester (right) scores for Hull
Chester (right) gets ahead of Ferdinand to head the only goal of the game
James Chester (right) celebrates with Allan McGregor (centre)
Goal-scorer Chester and goalkeeper McGregor celebrate after the latter's penalty save helps Hull to victory
Check out the best photos from today's Premier League action on the BBC Sport Facebook page.
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)

Queens Park Rangers
01 Green
04 Caulker
05 Ferdinand
22 Dunne Booked (Zamora - 78' )
02 Simpson (Phillips - 68' )
18 Faurlin (Hoilett - 69' )
17 Mutch
08 Barton
03 Traore
19 Remy
09 Austin

Substitutes
06 Hill
07 Phillips
15 Onuoha
20 Henry
21 Murphy
23 Hoilett
25 Zamora

Hull City
01 McGregor
05 Chester
04 Bruce (McShane - 45' )
06 Davies Booked
27 Elmohamady
08 Huddlestone
14 Livermore
26 Robertson
23 Ince (Meyler - 82' )
10 Snodgrass (Quinn - 40' )
18 Jelavic Booked
Substitutes
03 Figueroa
07 Meyler
11 Brady
15 McShane
22 Harper
24 Aluko
29 Quinn
Ref: Craig Pawson
Att: 17,603

www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28718789

[Macmoish]

And number of players has jumped!

@tonyfernandes: 19 chances. Need to convert them but we created them. Few more signings to go.

[sharky]

Same start to the Prem season, home loss to a weaker side. Improvement needed if we are to stay up.

[londonranger]

We play too slowly.

[Macmoish]

Dave McIntyre West London Sport Match Report

www.westlondonsport.com/?p=73156

[Marc]

Aug 16, 2014 16:08:29 GMT sharky said:

Same start to the Prem season, home loss to a weaker side. Improvement needed if we are to stay up.

What makes Hull a weaker side shsrky?

[sharky]

A side that IMO will finish in the bottom half of the table

[Marc]

Aug 16, 2014 16:23:38 GMT sharky said:

A side that IMO will finish in the bottom half of the table

And probably so will we.

[londonranger]

ESPN


Queens Park Rangers' return to the Premier League began in defeat as James Chester's second-half header gave Hull a 1-0 victory on the opening day of the new season.

Rangers were handed a golden opportunity to salvage a draw in the 84th minute when referee Craig Pawson awarded the hosts a penalty but Charlie Austin's effort was saved by Allan McGregor.

Harry Redknapp's side enjoyed the majority of possession during the contest but Rangers were ultimately made to pay the price for a lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Instead, it was Chester who made the decisive contribution as he shook off Rio Ferdinand to head home a corner early in the second half and earn the Tigers their first win at Loftus Road since 1963.

Redknapp's teams are renowned for their free-flowing style of play but Rangers struggled for goals in the Championship last season and may do so again on this evidence.

Loic Remy, who could have been wearing the red of Liverpool had he not failed a medical earlier this summer, was certainly the home side's greatest threat but Hull's well-organised defensive trio did just enough to keep the Frenchman at bay.

Hull enjoyed the better of the opening period, but the hosts established a foothold and were almost gifted a breakthrough when McGregor failed to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal-kick and Austin stole possession out wide.

The striker could have tried a long-range shot into the open net but instead he teed up Jordon Mutch at the back post, who missed the ball completely on his weaker right foot.

Remy, who was lacklustre early on, grew into the game and started causing Hull's back three problems with his direct running in behind.

Just before the half-hour mark, the striker earned a free-kick on the edge of the area which Joey Barton clipped into the side-netting, and moments later he again broke free to find Mutch, who headed narrowly wide.

QPR continued to look the more likely scorers and almost broke the deadlock before half-time as Steven Caulker rose highest to a corner, but his header was cleared off the line by Andrew Robertson.

The home side started the second half brightly but it was Hull who grabbed the opener in the 52nd minute when Chester out-muscled Ferdinand at a corner and headed home Hull's first goal of the season.

Rangers responded positively to going behind but, for all their possession and forward-running, were unable to carve out a decisive chance.

Instead, it was the visitors who should have doubled their lead when Tom Ince was put through on the counter-attack, but the 22-year-old's tame finish was blocked by the legs of Rob Green.

Redknapp threw on Junior Hoilett, Bobby Zamora and Matt Phillips in the latter stages in search of an equaliser, and it was Hoilett who earned his side a spot-kick when his cross was adjudged to have struck the hand of Chester six minutes from time.

Austin stepped up and fired low to McGregor's right but the Hull stopper read the shot and palmed the ball away.

Zamora and Remy both had chances to equalise in the dying moments but the former took too long and the latter was denied by McGregor as Hull held on for all three points.

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[spanishal]

Aug 16, 2014 16:11:16 GMT londonranger said:

We play too slowly.

A case of lead boots in fact, Hull first to the ball every time, Charlie missing a pen sums it up

[londonranger]

Someone other than Barton should take the corners imo. His are too soft, floaty not incisive and don't pick out anyone.

[sharky]

Aug 16, 2014 16:35:00 GMT londonranger said:

Someone other than Barton should take the corners imo. His are too soft, floaty not incisive and don't pick out anyone.

Agree but as he's game day captain he'll carry on taking them I suppose

[scarletpimple]

Overall i thought we played quite well, agree we played a bit slow, and need to speed things up.
Simpson imo was a week link both in defence and attack, look forward to seeing isla,
Rio class.
Mutch will improve i hope.
Coulker and dunn didnt put a foot wrong.
Green not a lot to do, no chance with goal.
Fourlin ok.
Barton ok apart from his corners and free kicks.
Reme grew into the game and looked dangerous in the 2nd half.
Charlie looked a bit lost and poor penalty.

Felt we should have got at least a point.

[nomar]

Aug 16, 2014 16:08:29 GMT sharky said:

Same start to the Prem season, home loss to a weaker side. Improvement needed if we are to stay up.

This, I'm afraid.

Fed up of us losing Prem home openers.

[timewaster]

Aug 16, 2014 17:28:19 GMT nomar said:

Aug 16, 2014 16:08:29 GMT sharky said:

Same start to the Prem season, home loss to a weaker side. Improvement needed if we are to stay up.

This, I'm afraid.

Fed up of us losing Prem home openers.

I thought we played ok
Best I have seen us play for quite a while and we were far better than Hull

[Macmoish]

@tonyfernandes: Just spoken to Harry. He's same as me. Normally after we lose he's despondent. But he's upbeat.

@amit_Bhatia99: Disappointed with the result today. But plenty of positives. We'll keep marching on. Onwards and upwards. @qprfc @tonyfernandes @ruben_E_G

[Deleted]

Faurlin our best player today , felt Austin was poor today and Remy should've taken penalty , just maybe Austin was trying to prove a point to Hull for not signing him and it probably got too much for him , don't know . A lot of positives thought we deserved to win , didn't get the run of the ball and Hull road their luck , very disappointing to concede from a set piece especially with the height and experience we have defensively now .

[londonranger]

Well if JB takes all the corners. they should practice more on 1-2s off plays set plays. We got nowt from them. Also practice defending corners, as no one guarding far post when they scored.

[londonranger]

Jamess Chester will never eclipse Rio Ferdinand’s career achievements but the Hull City centre-back did elude the former England captain here to head a precious winning goal and ruin QPR’s return to the Premier League. That crowned a gleaming display by the 25-year-old, but Ferdinand had been impeccable until that point and Rangers had been on top.

Chester’s 52nd-minute strike will stand as a painful reminder to Harry Redknapp’s promoted side that in the Premier League teams can pay a hefty price for squandering chances. Charlie Austin missed their most obvious opportunity, his 83rd-minute penalty being saved by Allan McGregor, but the hosts spurned several openings before that, especially in a first half in which they started timidly before working up an impressive head of steam and threatening to blow away the visitors.

“I was very pleased with how we played, some days it just does not go your way,” said Redknapp. “We played ever so well in the first half. We had good control, a good shape and we passed it well and created good chances.”

That is true. Rangers looked solid in a 3-5-2 formation with Ferdinand and another new signing, Steven Caulker, combining with Richard Dunne to prevent Hull from mustering a single shot on target in the first period.

The visitors did seem more fluent in the early stages but once Loïc Rémy forced a save from McGregor in the 13th minute, Rangers grew in confidence and took charge.

Alejandro Faurlin fizzed a low shot wide after swivelling near the penalty spot. Joey Barton curled a free-kick into the side netting and Jordon Mutch nodded wide from close range after a fine run and cross by Rémy.

Hull’s worries deepened when one of their new acquisitions, Robert Snodgrass, departed with suspected knee ligament damage just before half-time. Another summer recruit, the 20-year-old Andrew Robertson, saved them in the 43rd minute by heading a Caulker header off the line after a Rangers corner.

The one upside to Snodgrass’s loss was that his replacement, Stephen Quinn, helped turn the game back in the visitors’ favour. Seven minutes into the second half he delivered a corner and Ferdinand was caught unaware as Chester held him off and headed into the net.

Redknapp said that did not diminish his satisfaction with the 35-year-old’s contribution. “He was excellent, it was almost a masterclass in how to play at the back,” he said. “He looks so comfortable, his touch, his reading of the game. [For the goal] there was plenty of bodies in there, they’re getting blocks in and all sorts and the fellow just spun off him. It was good movement, it can happen.”
GUARDIAN
Hull could have added a second when Quinn played a canny reverse pass to Thomas Ince but Rob Green blocked well.

They continued their quest for a second and Chester remained a menace from corners, one of his headers leading to Nikica Jelavic whacking a volley inches over and in the 80th minute Chester made a decisive intervention at the other end, clearing a Barton cross just as Rémy readied himself to convert from close range.

Seven minutes from time Chester was harshly penalised when a cross by Junior Hoilett hit his hand but his sense of grievance did not last long as McGregor beat away Austin’s soft spot-kick.

“That’s one win, we need nine more,” said Steve Bruce, for whom survival remains the main ambition. “So that’s one win per month – it sounds easy but it’s not if that was anything to go by.”

Redknapp, meanwhile, is confident his team can achieve the same goal. “We played better here than we did in the majority of our games in the Championship last year and we’re only going to get better,” he said before confirming that the club intends signing “two or three” more players this week.

[terryb]

How can this thread be so full of doom & gloom?

Yes, we lost 1-0, in a match where we deserved at least a draw if not a win. We played far, far better than in any game last season. We played as if we are a side good enough for The Premier apart from converting our chances.

Somebody has said that Remy should have taken the penalty. Why? Previous to today, both Remy & Austin had 100% penalty records for us, but Remy's was for not scoring!

Defensively we were comfortable, including Dunne, & in the first half we were the better team. Remember, this was against a team that had already played two competitive matches. Barton & Faurlin were in control in midfield & you can see how they trust each other. The only problems were Simpson's unease at playing this role & Mutch not being on the same wavelength as the other players. I'm sure that Jordon will improve but I still struggle to understand why he remained on the pitch & Ale was taken off.

Mind you, Junior created no more than Mutch when he came on. I hate to say it, but as was said at half time by some not606er's, Adel would have made better use of the space available. No, I am not asking for his return!

We may end up being relegated but today was a vast improvement on anything from the previous two years!

More importantly, it was great to have a pre match drink with Bushman & Roller.

Good to have met you Ian. Already looking forward to the next time.

[Macmoish]

Photos from today, courtesy Zimbio (80+)
www.zimbio.com/pictures/ycUU-boFFpw/Queens+Park+Rangers+v+Hull+City/browse

[wrenboy61]

Thought we played ok today better than I thought we would after what I can only call a piss poor pre season. The teams we played were not of the quality that a Premier League club should be entertaining. Maybe we were looking more to building confidence and playing the formation we wanted too play rather than getting match fitness and sharpness.

When I first saw the team I couldn't understand how Dunne was playing but he played well along with Rio and Caulker. Simpson I don't think is suited to that Wing back role and Traore although quick didn't look sharp. Faulin had a good game and I was pleased for the lad. He got a knock on the knee just before being taken off. Barton worked hard but his corners and his delivery from free kicks were poor. Mutch did well but didn't look match fit to me and struggled to drop back into midfield after we had lost the ball but feel he will be a good buy for us. Because of Remy playing Austin had to play out on the left side which I don't think suits him he needs to be up the middle and feel that will be the case once Remy is fit. Remy was blowing like "an old billy goat" after 20 minutes and will improve when fully fit. A fully fit Remy would never have been caught on some of those through balls to him and wouldn't stop to pull the ball inside. I haven't seen the Austin Penalty on TV yet but I will say the Hull players were very good at making him wait to take it,there must have been 7 or 8 of them around the ref which slowed things down considerably.

So overall not a great result but not the end of the world and with improved fitness and sharpness we will have our days just needs to be enough of them to get us 40 points!!!!

[nomar]

I saw the first half at at half time I felt it would either be 0-0 or 1-0 to us as, after the first 10 mins, we were the better side.

I had to drive my mum home at half time so I missed the 2nd half but I heard Austin's penalty miss in the car. Had a feeling he was going to miss it, probably because I have him in my fantasy team and the fantasy gods like to sh*t on me like that bird that crapped in Ashley Young's mouth today at OT.

Hull fans on Twitter acknowledging we were the better team and they got lucky today. Common sense says that if we play like that then we'll get results go our way, but can't help feeling disappointed tonight nonetheless.

We didn't deserve to lose but the reality is that we did lose and we now have only 37 games to get 40 points from.

Hope the pen miss doesn't affect Charlie's confidence.

[Macmoish]

As I tweeted, online it's a Love in at QPR.

But I do know that if we get a series of "unlucky" results, confidence will sap and well be in trouble.

And shouldn't underestimate failure to get point or 3 points.

But all will be clearer after 6 or 8 games (and the Window closed) when hopefully a couple of wins by there

[wrenboy61]

Aug 16, 2014 18:57:45 GMT terryb said:

How can this thread be so full of doom & gloom?

Yes, we lost 1-0, in a match where we deserved at least a draw if not a win. We played far, far better than in any game last season. We played as if we are a side good enough for The Premier apart from converting our chances.

Somebody has said that Remy should have taken the penalty. Why? Previous to today, both Remy & Austin had 100% penalty records for us, but Remy's was for not scoring!

Defensively we were comfortable, including Dunne, & in the first half we were the better team. Remember, this was against a team that had already played two competitive matches. Barton & Faurlin were in control in midfield & you can see how they trust each other. The only problems were Simpson's unease at playing this role & Mutch not being on the same wavelength as the other players. I'm sure that Jordon will improve but I still struggle to understand why he remained on the pitch & Ale was taken off.

Mind you, Junior created no more than Mutch when he came on. I hate to say it, but as was said at half time by some not606er's, Adel would have made better use of the space available. No, I am not asking for his return!

We may end up being relegated but today was a vast improvement on anything from the previous two years!

More importantly, it was great to have a pre match drink with Bushman & Roller.

Good to have met you Ian. Already looking forward to the next time.

I agree with you Terry performance was better than almost every game from the last 2 seasons.

Think Faulin got a knock on his knee and maybe it was precautionary to take him off but Mutch needed 90 minutes as didn't look match fit to me. So Austin missed a penalty it happens he won enough games for us last season so for me gets a pass for todays miss.

Also agree that Taraabt would have made better use of the space but only to park his Fat Arse and sulky bottom lip!!!!!

[Macmoish]

etweeted by Rob Brennan
Phil Parry ‏@philcparry 29s

Earlier spoke to #QPR chief exec Philip Beard for @bbclondon949 . Missed it? It's here bit.ly/1BnNTPP

[Roller]

Aug 16, 2014 18:57:45 GMT terryb said:

How can this thread be so full of doom & gloom?

Yes, we lost 1-0, in a match where we deserved at least a draw if not a win. We played far, far better than in any game last season. We played as if we are a side good enough for The Premier apart from converting our chances.

Somebody has said that Remy should have taken the penalty. Why? Previous to today, both Remy & Austin had 100% penalty records for us, but Remy's was for not scoring!

Defensively we were comfortable, including Dunne, & in the first half we were the better team. Remember, this was against a team that had already played two competitive matches. Barton & Faurlin were in control in midfield & you can see how they trust each other. The only problems were Simpson's unease at playing this role & Mutch not being on the same wavelength as the other players. I'm sure that Jordon will improve but I still struggle to understand why he remained on the pitch & Ale was taken off.

Mind you, Junior created no more than Mutch when he came on. I hate to say it, but as was said at half time by some not606er's, Adel would have made better use of the space available. No, I am not asking for his return!

We may end up being relegated but today was a vast improvement on anything from the previous two years!

More importantly, it was great to have a pre match drink with Bushman & Roller.

Good to have met you Ian. Already looking forward to the next time.

The pleasure was all Bushman's mate.

[salts]

Where are we now...?
1 - If Cesar goes we need another goalkeeper. Maybe a loan for next few months if there is someone better than Murphy?
2 - Simpson is not really suited to WB. Maybe he would be useful as cover at CB though? Is Glen Johnson still on our radar as we need two options in each position? Isla is the only viable one. Maybe Simpson will leave us on deadline day if Johnson or A. N. Other is signed and he is not going to be cover at CB? Harriman is no longer EDS. He should go out on loan if he isn't going to make the 25 man squad.
3 - Those who want Onouhra, Ferdinand and Caulker as first choice back 3 - it may be a positional thing: Dunne/Hill on the left, Rio in the middle, Caulker/Chief on the right. Chief may get a shout if Rio is injured and Caulker plays in the middle. Ehmer is no longer EDS. He should go out on loan if he isn't going to make the 25 man squad.
4 - Fer is on his way and another creative (not attacking) midfielder are needed to strengthen the depth of the squad in midfield.
5 - We need Remy to stay as there is no substitute for pace. The Iceman needs to cometh (or someone else) as three forwards is too few. Anyone got any money on Crouch being signed after 10pm on deadline day?
6 - Thank God Austin missed today rather against Wigan...I don't think that he is that great a penalty taker though as nearly every pen he took last season would have been saved if the keeper went the right way.
7 - Once Cesar, SWP and Adel leave the clear out is complete.
8 - We can't afford to lose to Sunderland. We must win most of our home games v the bottom 13, and draw virtually all the rest.

[marshbowles10]

I thought the positives apart from the result outweighed the negatives.

Irrespective of where Hull will finish this season, they were a Cup Finalist last year and held their own in the Division. We should have won, didn't take our chances and I hope that a lot was learned about our own strengths and weaknesses.

Rio looks a good 'buy'. I was critical of his signing but assuming we have been fed the correct info on his contract I think he will be an asset.

Caulker looks to be a genuinely good prospect Much had a good first half but faded second half and maybe short of match fitness.

Really not sure about Traore, think at times he lacks concentration and since his positional defending is not the best this does make him a liability. He seems to me to be a squad player rather than a regular.

Thought Dunne was OK but would worry against a really pacy frontline. Ned for me.

Barton needs to let Faurlin take free kicks and especially corners. Think we had 8 corners of which 6 failed to beat their first defender and therefore a waste. Scoring a free kick against Orient is one thing, Premier League is something else.

If Remy stays then maybe he will do better on bigger pitches? His natural game seems to be based upon turning defenders and then pace, not sure LR is ideal for his game?

Charlie looks a player that almost doesn't believe he is good enough for this division. He has to learn quickly about the difference between the Prem and Championship defenders. We did say this about him when he joined and struggled initially. Time will tell if he is the real deal and can score consistently at this level.

The subs that came on didn't cover themselves with glory. Philips looks a shadow of then player I thought we signed and Hoillet seems to be room sharing with SWP.

Reading the above it looks all negative and I certainly didn't come away feeling that. We had more chances, missed a pen, had one cleared off the line. We probed and at times over ran them in midfield. The possession was fine and we actually did something with it that was positive.

Whilst we do need to win our home games, this is not the end of the world. Our confidence won't be shattered. We will not be the whipping boys of this division.

[jjqpr]

God knows what remy thought about not being given the penalty but i can guess!
It's going to be a long, hard season we all knew that. There were some positives though, Faurlin back and given a chance by Harry , remy looked a class above and I did not expect to see him play for us again!
I'm sure with more time and coaching from hoddle (if he stays!) we'll start getting some points. Not looking forward to spuds though!