Assem Allam deserves Hull City promotion, says Steve Bruce
WITH nine games to go and his Hull City side fighting it out for promotion to the Premier League, Steve Bruce is quick to dismiss any talk of pressure.
There is a feeling of calm around the Tigers' training ground in Cottingham, and Bruce insists that relaxed manner is something which feeds down right from the very top of the club.
-
Influence: Hull City's Egyptian stars Gedo and Ahmed Elmohamady with, inset, Assem Allam. Picture: Jerome Ellerby.
Bruce is due to meet the club owners after completing his media duties for the day and, with his side second in the Championship table, it is a meeting which he knows should go well.
With every passing week, Bruce is edging closer to delivering Assem Allam's dream of taking the club he saved back to the top.
CAR KEYS AND REMOTES "FREE REMOTE KEY FOB BATTERY" 01482 423414 ...
Peace Of Mind Security Hull Ltd/Hull Car Keys
View details
FOR ALL YOUR CAR KEY NEEDS CALL US NOW ON
01482 423414
SNAPPED KEYS, LOST KEYS, KEYS LOCKED IN VEHICLES,
EXTRA KEYS
WE ALSO REPAIR 90% OF ALL REMOTES AND KEYS, NO FIX NO CHARGE.
Terms: FREE REMOTE KEY FOB BATTERY ONE PER CUSTOMER
Contact: 01482 423414
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
That is an achievement both men would cherish, and knowing the huge financial commitment Allam has made (more than £50m), it is at the forefront of Bruce's mind as the season reaches its climax.
"When I first met Assem in the summer, all he wanted to do was have a team that would make a fist of having a go at promotion," Bruce recalled.
"That was one of the reasons I'm here.
"He has pumped in a lot of money to this club, a lot of money, and without him I worry where it would be, it could easily have been another Portsmouth.
"He didn't want the club to go into administration and has spent a hell of a lot of money on this club, and deserves success.
"For him to put the money he has done into the club is incredible. He has been in this city almost all of his life and been a successful businessman from here.
"It is quite a remarkable story, and I just hope he can get his reward now through us, not just financially, but for his club to be in the big league.
"That would be terrific for him and I know he would be a very proud man."
Bruce knows he has been lucky to have full support from the boardroom.
It has seen him constantly supported in strengthening his squad as the likes of Stephen Quinn, David Meyler, Robbie Brady and George Boyd have been added as the season has progressed.
All have played key roles, but it was perhaps a deal which brought Egyptian duo Gedo and Ahmed Fathi to the KC Stadium in January which showed a manager and owner working together.
Bruce's belief and confidence in Egyptian footballers dates back many years, to his time at Wigan when he signed Amr Zaki and he became an instant success.
That knowledge of the Egyptian game saw him identify Gedo as a possible solution to City's goalscoring shortfalls, but again, it is Bruce who is keen to lay the credit at Allam's door.
"I got interested in the Egyptian team way back in 2008-09," says Bruce.
"Everybody talks about African football and the African Nations, and of course the first ones you talk about are teams like Ivory Coast and Senegal, who have done well in the World Cup. But in the African Nations, Egypt won in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
"I went to watch them few years ago and brought back Zaki to Wigan, but without the owner it would not have been possible to get players from Al Ahly.
"They are the Manchester United of Egyptian football and have 75,000 watching them every week.
"Gedo has got 19 goals in 31 games for his country, so to get somebody like that on loan was a real coup for the club.
"I didn't think it would be possible but because of the owners' connections it was, and he has had a great start, just at the right time it has given everybody a lift."
Gedo couldn't have started life at the KC better, and will tomorrow go in search of extending his record of scoring in every game he has played at the KC (he has five in four so far).
City's Egyptian connection has also brought a whole new world of fans to the Tigers, as thousands are following the fortunes of Gedo, Fathi and Ahmed Elmohamady the KC Stadium.
"It is a huge football nation," Bruce adds.
"They love their football and if you have been there you see they are really crazy for it, have lots of pride, and have some really good players.
"I know there is a big following watching how we get on now. But as I say, Assem has been terrific and nothing but supportive from day one.
"He hasn't put me under any pressure at all though. He doesn't interfere.
"To be fair, he has been a successful businessman, and he always says that when he employs a manager, he wants them to manage.
"I'd be delighted to do it for him."
22 Comments
View all
by fez_2
Saturday, March 16 2013, 7:30AM
“Some fair points, especially about there being a need to move forward. I think the 'free of charge' element is founded on the council being in some form of partnership wit Allam, with no controlling stake and the KC being their stake towards moving the development forward. I still prefer to hold final judgment until I can see the true nature of what is on offer. The whole approach was handled very badly by the Allams and the council refused to be bullied - which is exactly how it appeared.
I am totally for the regeneration and always have been, as not only is it the relatively new home of the Tigers but it is an area of Hull that I grew up in.This whole issue needs more transparency so we can make an informed decision,what it does not need is more posturing and threats.
The fairly recent exposure of SMC terms and the total absence of comment from AP lends an element of mystery to proceedings, just as the impasse between council and Allam presents a frustration that grows arms and legs on the back of very few real facts. I honestly believe that any move to Melton, other than a training ground is a bluff and will not happen - the KC, even at bottom-end valuations,has too much worth for all concerned to be discarded in a spat. I believe we will see more posturing and promotion to the PL is a big part of that.
To believe that there would be no Return-On-Investment for the Allams is wrong, as the Tigers are an important tactical move (albeit a good one) in a broader business strategy. It's not a simplistic issue and can't be judged simply - we can only hope that a decent compromise is found that protects the city and the club's whose home is the KC; if Assem Allam & Son come out of it even richer then that is fine by me, as they don't come across as greedy men - simply shrewd!”
by FodTiger
Saturday, March 16 2013, 12:45AM
“Scarb I agree with everything you say! I believe too that there are plans already in place for a new stadium if the council decide to run home with their ball instead of play with it. I just think that it would be a crying shame if it had to come down to that. The ideal scenario is that we do get promoted and the Allams do pose the question again. We all want Hull firmly on the map and we all want Hull to reap the benifits of having a premier league football team. Of course Hull would still get the rewards from it but it wouldn't get the full benifits I.e thousands of opposition supporters at every home game, looking around, spending their money in Hull shops and bars etc.
The KC has enjoyed unbelievable success too in its very short history to date and it is a lovely stadium, and it would be soooo sexy with that upper tier on the east stand :-) is love for that success to continue at the KC.
I'm like you too I can't believe how people scream at the Allams with regard to ticket prices. They clearly stated they would lower ticket prices so that every man woman and child could afford to watch Hull City IF they were able to buy the stadium and increase its capacity. They can't afford to do that with the capacity as it is now, therefore they have not gone back on their word and certainly not broken any promises.
Common sense must prevail in this situation for the good of HCC, Hull City A.F.C, supporters and the City of Hull as a whole.”
by FodTiger
Saturday, March 16 2013, 12:45AM
“Scarb I agree with everything you say! I believe too that there are plans already in place for a new stadium if the council decide to run home with their ball instead of play with it. I just think that it would be a crying shame if it had to come down to that. The ideal scenario is that we do get promoted and the Allams do pose the question again. We all want Hull firmly on the map and we all want Hull to reap the benifits of having a premier league football team. Of course Hull would still get the rewards from it but it wouldn't get the full benifits I.e thousands of opposition supporters at every home game, looking around, spending their money in Hull shops and bars etc.
The KC has enjoyed unbelievable success too in its very short history to date and it is a lovely stadium, and it would be soooo sexy with that upper tier on the east stand :-) is love for that success to continue at the KC.
I'm like you too I can't believe how people scream at the Allams with regard to ticket prices. They clearly stated they would lower ticket prices so that every man woman and child could afford to watch Hull City IF they were able to buy the stadium and increase its capacity. They can't afford to do that with the capacity as it is now, therefore they have not gone back on their word and certainly not broken any promises.
Common sense must prevail in this situation for the good of HCC, Hull City A.F.C, supporters and the City of Hull as a whole.”
by HCAFCscarb
Saturday, March 16 2013, 12:05AM
“WELL DONE SNOTHILL BAZ.
it was obvious the ALLAMS were not " just after the land "
when they could have bought a far better site to build on and for less then the 50m they put into the club..
It was as i said all along...a case of Wanting to Give the City of HULL a premier League Football Team.
NOT even all about making a profit Either......YOU dont bang 50M into a football team on the off chance you MIGHT make money....does any club make anything ?
i am sure if the club breaks even the Allams will be over the moon..
and IF a sports village makes then any money thats great for the Allams.....Chances are they would give most of it away anyhow...
Hull apply for the city of culture status...
BRAND NEW STATE OF THE ART SPORTS VILLAGE AND A RE VITALISED walton street anlaby road area MIGHT HAVE SWUNG THE VOTE..
That dam tip of a car park wont win Hull ANY votes...
Stupid backward council....
Ignore capital letters dam keyboard and im not re typing it”
by HCAFCscarb
Friday, March 15 2013, 11:54PM
“Fod Tiger
Trouble is i doubt IF the Allams will ever sit around a table with those running the Council again. Also the council care more about Having Hull Fair on walton street once a year then they do about having a sports village....
Also were would the car park go IF Walton street car park was built on ?
Also the Hull FC fans will be up in arms IF the council sell to the Allams because they think the Allams would want FC out which i dont think they would...
i think the KC was Built in the wrong place..
Also the ALLAMS already own huge areas of land in Melton, and East riding council would make big grants available to the Allams to move the stadium, create jobs, a new stadium , retail park and a sports village. The plans are already done for a new stadium....
I honestly think it WILL happen sooner or later and then the council and FC will be left playing in a run down stadium that the council will have to pay for the up keep off.
The council made a huge blunder in refusing to deal with the Allams and making them out to be after everything for free...
People think the ALLAMS cant do it BUT they sure can if thats what they choose to do..
First step get into the premier league.....if not this season the next season.
The allams know exactly what they are doing and even bringing it out into the public domain about how they and the SMC subsidise the rugby club was part of the plan...There was a reason why those photos got took down ..
you should join Hullcity not606 site Fod...you get more news on there then on here..
OF COURSE.....this is just my opinion though quite a few think the same...
The Allams mean buisness and are deadly serious about giving Hull a Premier League football Team and we wont be the only club with a stadium on the outskirts of a city...
Thats why they have spent millions and millions... They want us in the Premier League as much as we fans do if not more...
We could have sold out twice over last time in the premier league at times...
i also think a bigger stadium WILL = cheaper tickets which was what the Allams said in the first place...
ONLY in a bigger stadium.....Thats why they NEVER broke any promises when the price went up this season....
anyway.....Fingers crossed we can beat Forest on Saturday....No such thing as an easy game...
heres hoping...”
by FodTiger
Friday, March 15 2013, 8:41PM
“Scarb I for one really hope the council see sense in the end if the Allams do come knocking and asking the question again. Premier league football was huge for the City of Hull last time. While I wouldn't blame the Allams if they did go ahead and press on with plans for the stadium and surrounding complex in Melton, it really would be a massive blow to the City of Hull. Even if the council could find common ground and agree a deal in principle with the Allams that they will sell them the stadium if Hull city reach the PL AND stay there, that should be enough incentiv for them to keep the club in Hull.
I don't understand the councils thinking but surely if they are loosing money common sense would tell them to sell the stadium. They get their money to spend in other areas that badly need improving, Allam gets his stadium and sports village, which while that would of course make him money (why not?) it would also be amazing for the city and surrounding areas. And with an extension more city fans could watch PL football.
It really is a no brainer.... Clearly no brainers are exactly what HCC are!”
by FodTiger
Friday, March 15 2013, 8:41PM
“Scarb I for one really hope the council see sense in the end if the Allams do come knocking and asking the question again. Premier league football was huge for the City of Hull last time. While I wouldn't blame the Allams if they did go ahead and press on with plans for the stadium and surrounding complex in Melton, it really would be a massive blow to the City of Hull. Even if the council could find common ground and agree a deal in principle with the Allams that they will sell them the stadium if Hull city reach the PL AND stay there, that should be enough incentiv for them to keep the club in Hull.
I don't understand the councils thinking but surely if they are loosing money common sense would tell them to sell the stadium. They get their money to spend in other areas that badly need improving, Allam gets his stadium and sports village, which while that would of course make him money (why not?) it would also be amazing for the city and surrounding areas. And with an extension more city fans could watch PL football.
It really is a no brainer.... Clearly no brainers are exactly what HCC are!”
by HCAFCscarb
Friday, March 15 2013, 7:51PM
“FodTiger
If the thick council don't sell to the Allams the council will end up stuck with the stadium, huge running costs and Hull FC using the stadium..
HULL FC could not afford to run the stadium...
Neither can the Council
The council need to Hope the Allams will ever talk to them because there's every chance they WILL build a new stadium , shopping complex , sports Village outside Hull...
East Riding council would welcome the investment and there's a couple of supermarkets that would pay millions to get on board and end up with a mega store.
The Allams have the means for sure..
I”
by HCAFCscarb
Friday, March 15 2013, 7:43PM
“Where have all the lunatics gone who posted such vile comments about the Heroic Allams not so long ago .?
The Hull Daily Mail also played a role in the Anti Allam disgrace with some of there made up story's, and allowing some disgraceful comments made against the Allams..
NICKY BARMBYS terrible run of 1 win in 10 games was Relegation Form...
The Allams were 100% right to sack NB
What happened to all the garbage about the Allams wanting shut of the Club, of never spending another penny or appointing a cheap option manager ?
The Allams saved our club when no one else gave a dam...
The Amount of money they put in it was ALWAYS SO OBVIOUS that the Allam Family wanted , needed the club to do well....
It was NEVER about making money because you don't make money in football...
I really hope we get promotion....
Then I really hope the Allams CAN recoup some of the money they have spent..
In my opinion IF we go up the Allams will bank a bit.....save a bit and spend a bit..
One the Allams get the KC Stadium.....or move us to a new stadium ticket prices WILL be reduced in a larger stadium.
And don't doubt that the Allams won't build a new stadium IF the need too because the already have the plans and the means ...
I can see HULL CITY going up and staying up....ending up breaking even....and becoming a long term premier league club.
THAT IS THE DREAM OF ASSEM ALLAM..
I CALL FOR A STATUE IN HONOUR OF THE HEROIC ASSEM ALLAM FOR SERVICES TO HULL CITY AND THE CITY OF HULL.
Even IF we don't go up.....it will not be from lack of effort from the Greatest owners Hull City have ever had..
I will look FOWARD to the supporters signing
" Assem and EHab Allams Black and Amber Army on Saturday....”
by FodTiger
Friday, March 15 2013, 5:20PM
“Brilliant words Mr Bruce. What Assem Allam and son have done for Hull City and us supporters is simply unbelievable, when the club was on its knees they answered the calls and cries. Many people have criticised them, some (amazingly) still do. I was gutted at Barmby's and AP' sacking and the whole saga that followed, it was no way for a city legend and home town player to end his career. But we moved on and here we are!
I sincerely hope that if we do reach the promised land come may that the Allams reinstate their interest to purchase the KC. Because in order for us to really push on again the stadium will need increasing in capacity. It's bonkers that the council turned down the offer in the first place, all parties would have won and been happy, and the plans that they had would have been huge for this city. It's a crying shame that the council don't have the vision, drive and will to push forward to really make Hull great.
Would a return a the premier league make the council sit back and re-think? I suspect not. UTT”