Steve Bruce now convinced Hull City can reach Premier League
STEVE Bruce says a resounding victory over former club Birmingham City has finally convinced him Hull City are the real deal in the Championship automatic promotion race.
The Tigers produced the biggest victory of Bruce's reign on Saturday as they turned on the style to thump Birmingham 5-2 at the KC Stadium.
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Hull City's George Boyd is mobbed by Robert Koren, David Meyler and Ahmed Elmohamady after his first-minute goal
Two goals apiece for George Boyd and Gedo, and another from Robert Koren capped a sumptuous attacking display to send City galloping back up to second in the Championship.
With 11 games remaining and a two-point cushion separating City from third-placed Watford, only now is Bruce beginning to believe in a return to the Premier League during his debut season at the KC.
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He said: "I wouldn't have taken the job if I didn't think we'd be competitive, but it's only now that I'm thinking that we've got a great chance. I really, really think that.
"You can very quickly lose six or seven in this division but there's a determination in us which tells me we're going to make a real fist of it.
"Whether or not we're good enough, who knows?
"It's only until this game, with 11 games to go, that I feel we've got a great chance. I don't think we're the ones that others will be looking to catch but we've got a chance."
After suffering the heaviest defeat of Bruce's reign when losing 4-1 at Bolton, the City boss was treated to the club's biggest victory in over two years as a stirring response.
Not since beating Southampton 5-0 in March 2008 have City scored five at the KC Stadium and, with a quarter of the season remaining, the Tigers are back within five points of league-leaders Cardiff.
Asked if Saturday's win had sent out a message to their promotion rivals, Bruce said: "It would have been better at 5-0 but this division enthralls me because of its fierce competition.
"You can never take anything for granted. We wouldn't have thought Middlesbrough would beat Cardiff, you wouldn't think Ipswich would beat Leicester. It's fierce.
"But we've got a chance because we've got a really strong group of players who are a talented bunch.
"I also detect a steely determination. Who knows where it will take us?
"I'd still rather be in Cardiff's position and it's a huge game next at Crystal Palace."
City head to Selhurst Park tomorrow night with spirits sky high after a new strike pairing of Boyd and Gedo reaped instant dividends.
As well as seeing Gedo make it five goals from five games with a lethal brace, Boyd marked his full debut with a double of his own, the first coming after just 47 seconds.
Bruce was delighted with the on-loan Peterborough man's contribution and said: "It baffles me why he hasn't played in the Premier League, it really, really does.
"Sometimes players just need a chance, but certainly for me George Boyd could play at the very highest level without question."
• Gallery: Hull City 5 Birmingham City 2 in pictures




9 Comments
by HCAFCscarb
Monday, March 04 2013, 6:40PM
“Don't worry about the stadium issue....
The Allams have the means to build Hull City a far better stadium and believe it or not plans are already in place .
Hull council won't spend a penny on doing up the Costello stadium, they have no money.
The backward council should have bite The Allams hands off when the offer was on the table to build a fantastic sports village , create loads of Jobs and revitalise the tatty Walton st car park.
IF and take note I said IF.......if the Allams can get Hull city into the premier league, and keep them there then the new stadium will happen.
The Allams know exactly what they are doing....
The plan is to give Hull a team to be proud of......
IT WAS NEVER ABOUT MAKING WADS OF MONEY..
Go up....spend a bit....Bank a bit ....and take back a bit of what the Allams have spent...
No way will the Allams mess up like the last lot did....
Anyone who doubts the Allam Family must be blind...
here's hoping we can beat Palace....it won't be easy....no game is in this league..
Before the season started I said we would make the play offs.....WE WILL.
we have a chance of an automatic spot but so do 5 or 6 other teams...
FINGERS CROSSED.... I call on ALL city fans to get to the KC games IF possible....get behind the team...and let's roar the Tigers on to promotion ...lets top 20,000 next home game v Forest...
The owners , Manager and Players are doing there best.....we fans need to give our all..
ASSEM AND EHAB ALLAMS BLACK AND AMBER ARMY”
by waterbob
Monday, March 04 2013, 2:18PM
“a point would be good from tomorrows game - its one of those where if you were offered a point before the game you would take it, the key to promotion will be winning the games you would expect the tigers to win, bristol, barnsley and burnley type games”
by wezzytiger
Monday, March 04 2013, 10:19AM
“Great idea regards upgrading Costello stadium for a state of the rt facility for both athletics and Rugby. The benefits would be 2 fold, first Hull fc would have a stadium that better suits the capacity requirements, as at the moment the kc is half full which is counter productive in generating an intimidating atmosphere for away teams.
Secondly, with a sizable state of the art athletics facility we could push for hosting grand prix athletic events national trials etc putting Hull on the map once and for all. Win Win situation.”
by HanoiTiger
Monday, March 04 2013, 9:59AM
“Good point by TigerPhil about the future of the KC, especially after Leicester announced they are buying their stadium. If we envisage a long term future in the Premiership, it is vital that the Allams can plough money in to the KC to upgrade facilities and ensure we have a stadium to be proud of going forwards. Why would they do this if the club doesn't own the stadium? Does anyone know if the land on which the KC stands, is covenanted in perpetuity for the people of Hull? I assume that West Park was given to the people of Hull many years ago by a benefactor and there were probably conditions that forbids the sale of the land. Would it therefore be possible for the council to retain ownership of the LAND but sell the stadium BUILDING to HCAFC? Based on the valuation of Leicester's stadium (£17 million freehold), the KC could be sold for considerably less leasehold. Not a perfect solution, but one in which the Council doesn't lose face, the Allams can own the stadium and can justify raising millions more to improve the stadium and surrounding area. The council could then use the sale money to upgrade Costello stadium for Hull FC to use as their new home ground, thereby ensuring all the biggest sporting clubs in the city have their own stadia.”
by Steve222
Monday, March 04 2013, 9:46AM
“Quote from DeeGee "Starting to get really nervous, though, of the run-in with Watford snapping at our heels." get Marlin to hold your hand if your nervous, aw bless
UTT”
by TigerPhi1
Monday, March 04 2013, 9:30AM
“I have been convinced for a while that we can do it - the only thing was through the lottery of the play offs or as an automatic place... I honestly feel we can actually catch Cardiff... They are on a bit of a slide at the moment. Have taken a dip in form- something we suffered in January. They look like they have the jitters....
That being said. If we go up what next???
Well there are 2 options- we come straight back down (I reckon we would be most people's choices for that) or we have a season like we did the 1st one in the PL.. I feel the issue with regards the stadium needs resolving- big time. I have just noticed that Leicester's owners have recently purchased the stadium (and surrounding area- which is already built upon with bits and pieces) for around £17M. Their stadium is bigger than the KC (holding over 32,500). The surrounding land is already built upon - offering around £15M wouldn't be too much of an issue for me.... This is something that would need to be sorted.
Also a big issue for me is the state of the pitch. We need the lights and the growing conditions for getting the pitch up to scratch. We are a good footballing side... We need a good footballing pitch.... (And no I am not blaming rugby!)”
by wezzytiger
Monday, March 04 2013, 9:29AM
“I have no doubt we will beat Palace tomorrow night. Our problem has been this season dropping points against teams you would expect us to beat. Just shows how competative this division really is.
Right off to Croydon for the night. Looking forward to being able to travel around London of my own free will and have a few beers before i Walk of my own free will to the match. I shall make the most of the luxury of freedom of movement whilst i can.”
by Sport_Trader
Monday, March 04 2013, 9:07AM
“It was fantastic on Saturday, I'd forgotten how good it felt to watch a good strike partnership, and being confident that we'd score when in a one on one situation.
Gedo & Boyd seemed to strike up an immediate understanding, a sure sign of natural finishers and quality players.
Bring on Palace!”
by DeeGee13
Monday, March 04 2013, 8:28AM
“Great result on Saturday, especially scoring 5.
Starting to get really nervous, though, of the run-in with Watford snapping at our heels.
Very difficult away game tomorrow and Watford are at home.”