We go from dragons to tigers when discussing the bravery/stupidity of Hull City's new owner Assem Allam. While he seems quite supportive of manager Steve Bruce (and well he might be), his public relations have left a lot to be desired. In a move that left Hull die-hards foaming at the mouth, he announced plans to first change the name to Hull City Tigers, then Hull Tigers. Reminds you of a rugby team doesn't it? The FA is yet to confirm that this name change will be ratified for the 2014-15 season, and without this rubber stamp the Premier League fixture lists and results will continue to refer to the club as Hull City. As this requires a consultation process, including input from supporters, it is by no means a foregone conclusion, but the very attempt has caused tensions to mount at the KC Stadium. To top it all off, when fans voiced their opposition to this name change, in the shape of a 'City Til We Die' chant, Allam responded by claiming they could die when they wanted, and make room for fans who just wanted to watch good football. Ill-advised? Undoubtedly. While the rest of the statement contained some reasonable observations on the good he has done for Hull, taking on the lifeblood of your football club tends to come back to haunt you. Fortunately, the on-pitch form of the Tigers has kept the wolves from Bruce's door (his position will undoubtedly become shaky at the first sign of a dip) but Allam's judgement will surely have some fans shifting uneasily in their seats. More matches like the 6-0 home drubbing of Fulham will be more than welcome though.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
