David Meyler and Robbie Brady have bought into Steve Bruce's vision and believe Hull City can win promotion
WHEN former owner Russell Bartlett sanctioned the £5.3m recruitment of Stephen Hunt and Kamel Ghilas on the eve of Hull City's second Premier League season in August 2009, it completed a year of financial suicide at the KC Stadium.
With midfielders Jimmy Bullard and Seyi Olofinjana already recruited for £8m in the preceding weeks and months to ramp up an annual wage bill unforgivably to £38m, the future of the Tigers was gambled like never before in its colourful history.
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Robbie Brady closes down Cameron Stewart in training
Only the intervention of Assem Allam eventually spared City from the hangman's noose 16 months later but, as the top-flight's riches loom into vision once again, the Tigers have chanced their arm with another roll of the financial dice.
Not since the unveiling of Hunt and Ghilas three and a half years ago have City pledged the amounts needed to turn the loan deals of David Meyler and Robbie Brady into permanent transfers this week.
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But while a £3.5m outlay has not only underlined City's status as a leading force in the Championship, it has also confirmed valuable lessons have been learned since their summer of financial folly in 2009.
"They are two fantastic acquisitions to the squad," said Bruce. "One is 20 (Brady) and the other is 23 (Melyer) so it's an investment for the future.
"I'm sure they'll be huge signings and what excites me is that they join a group of good young players.
"People like Corry Evans, James Chester, Sone Aluko and Jack Hobbs. Everywhere I look there's a sprinkling of youth alongside the experience that every team needs.
"I had no hesitation whatsoever bringing them into the club. They will play for us for the next three and a half years – at least."
This week's ambitious moves for Meyler and Brady clearly reflect Bruce's focus on youth as he attempts to build his East Yorkshire empire in 2013.
Should the City boss revert to the side that handsomely defeated Leeds 2-0 a fortnight ago when Sheffield Wednesday arrive at the KC tomorrow evening, only captain Robert Koren and Abdoulaye Faye will be over 28, while seven will be aged 25 or under.
The kids are all right, it seems, and the two newcomers have provided Bruce with the perfect January lift.
"I'm sure there was interest from elsewhere but I believe David and Robbie are enjoying it here," he said.
"We got them from Manchester United and Sunderland, two bigs clubs, so it was great to get them to come.
"The way we've played probably helped convince them. They know they're playing in a decent team.
"I'm not sure either player has been on a losing side yet have they? That always helps.
"They also believe that we've got a chance of getting into the big league and that was the key to it."
If City gambled their existence in a failed bid to secure a third season in the Premier League under Phil Brown, recruitment under Bruce has taken a more measured approach.
Other than Nick Proschwitz, who continues to toil in his attempts to justify his £2.6m summer transfer fee, moves for Stephen Quinn, Sone Aluko, Alex Bruce, Abdoulaye Faye and Ahmed Elmohamady (albeit on loan) have all delivered rich returns.
For that, the gratitude up towards the boardroom is clear.
"The owners have been nothing short of fantastic in their support," said Bruce. "They want the club to succeed. I detected when I came in there was a bit of negativity towards them but I hope that has evaporated now.
"I'm delighted for them that we're near the top of the league because I don't think there would be many people outside of Hull who would have put the amount of money into their club that they have.
"You have to be realistic. Without them, I dread to think where this club would be so they deserve a pat on the back. And if there's something else to be done in January then I'm sure they'll do their best to help us."
• Peter Swan: Double swoop is clear signal of Hull City's Premier League intent
Comments
by mattlill90
Saturday, January 12 2013, 11:25AM
“Fantastic additions to the squad what more can be said. We are doing really well without a striker at the moment and I woukd like to see NP given a starting role in a home clash against weak opponents just to ensure we dont rush Aluko back. Everyone is a winner.”
by strummer1961
Saturday, January 12 2013, 10:24AM
“It shows you how far we've come,the calibre of the manager we have in place,and most importantly the managers eye for a player.
£5.3 MILLION FOR HUNT AND GHILAS.........
I thought Stephen Hunt was a fantastic player and certainly not overpriced back in the day.Premiership quality,skilful and not afraid to put his foot in...We got Stephen Quinn for coppers and he ticks all those boxes,I can't speak highly enough of this lads work ethic and vision and infact he has become my favourite player at the K.C(sounds a bit schoolboyish but what the hell)!!!
As for Ghilas.Something of an enigma and rarely used,compare that to Sone Aluko who wouldn't look out of place in the mid Premiership sides.
My point is this...Steve Bruce paid Zilch for 2 similar type players(similar in duties and positional terms that is) and in my opinion he's landed 2 of the most consistent and hard working players in the Championship.
In real terms Steve Bruce has spent very little on this squad,he's had to buy Brady and Meyler because their respective Clubs played a bit of hard-ball and threatened to withdraw their services...That would've scuppered our plans for the season!!!!!”
by ianhale1965
Saturday, January 12 2013, 8:02AM
“I add my voice to the above opinions. Steve Bruce, whilst it took me a while to get confidence in him is proving to be superb choice for manager, who appointed him? The Allams, of course. I did worry as they also appointed Nick, which concerned me as he had little experience. This proved to be right by summer and a City God was harshly, in my opinion, axed. I still wonder how he would have done as the reserves coach to hone his coaching skills. I thank the Allams massively for their complete support for the club and fully support them. They were probably a bit naive last season but I think they are growing with Steves experience and visa versa Steve is growing though their support. I salute you both!!!! Gonna see my second City game live this season tonight (twice in 3 weeks is a WOW in South Africa, may well be the last time I see them this season). Come on guys want a good win, please play as well as you did against Leeds. I was wowed by your skills. UTT Onwards and Upwards.”
by CockneyTiger
Saturday, January 12 2013, 12:17AM
“Sorry but I do not see how tonight's draw has any relevance. I'd like to thank Wolves and Blackburn for making 2 great appointments that should keep both clubs out of the promotion picture for a while!
Don't have any bad feelings for tomorrow but we don't do Live TV too well. Hope we get 3 points because I think all the rest will.
Only blot is NP, and FC could be next. Don't trust his dad or their motives. Funny how not many people on here want him either. How things change. Please look abroad maybe Spain for new blood.”
by Alantf
Friday, January 11 2013, 11:35PM
“Two very good posts - can't add or detract one jot! Tonights draw probably for the best - I might come across as daft, but I seriously think we will be the only top6 team to get 3 points this weekend - bet on it, not a chance, too much of a jonah!”
by Sport_Trader
Friday, January 11 2013, 7:08PM
“It goes without saying that Steve Bruce has made a gigantic difference to not only the results on the pitch but also the image of our club. Gone are the days when we could only attract journeymen looking for a last payday, the players that he has secured must be the envy of every other club in the Championship, we certainly know for a fact that there are several first team players that Nigel Pearson would love to see at Leicester!
I've said it before and I'll probably say it again, MASSIVE appreciation must go to the Allam family, not only for their huge financial input - simply pouring money in is never the answer on its own as we've seen with many a club - but also for having the desire and acumen to hold out for an appointment such as Steve Bruce.
Onwards & upwards!”
by strummer1961
Friday, January 11 2013, 6:39PM
“2 quality additions on full Hull City contracts.
When you look at the players he's scooped for nothing and the quality in them,the squad hasn't cost that much to assemble really.
I firmly believe that Steve Bruces style of management,his friendliness towards the players and his honesty have made the road to Hull so much more inviting.
We probably won't see Steve Bruce giving himself a pat on the back...That's what we're here for!!!”