'That's for our fans': Bruce delighted Hull City are Yorkshire's top dogs going into 2013
STEVE Bruce dedicated Hull City's derby win over Leeds United to supporters as the Tigers ended 2012 by confirming their undeniable status as Yorkshire's top dogs.
A seldom-witnessed mismatch in class saw City run out comfortable 2-0 winners to complete a first league double over Leeds for 25 years.
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Corry Evans is congratulated by his Hull City teammates after his goal against Leeds.
The 15th win of the campaign cemented City's position of second in the Championship – five points behind Cardiff ahead of the trip to Blackpool tomorrow.
Bruce called for level heads, but admits the classy win over Leeds was special.
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"I've been in the game too long to get carried away, but going into the New Year as the top team in Yorkshire is terrific for the people of Hull," he said.
"I am delighted they have something to crow about because we are out on a limb over here."
A seven-game unbeaten run has announced City as a genuine contender for automatic promotion.
Goals from Corry Evans and David Meyler provided the perfect result before the curtain falls on 2012, and Bruce will now turn his attentions to the pivotal month of January.
The transfer window provides an opportunity to extend the loans of the influential Meyler and Robbie Brady, from Sunderland and Manchester United respectively, and see Bruce move back in for Fulham's David Stockdale.
The goalkeeper made his first Premier League start of the season in a 2-1 loss to Swansea on Saturday, but City will still pursue the Leeds-born star.
"The big thing in front of us is to secure what we have got. There are two or three loan signings who need sorting out," he said.
"For example, we thought there was a deal there to do for Stockdale but then he plays in goal for Fulham. Meyler is another one and so is Brady. So, before we start spouting on about a striker, I need to shore up this group we have.
"Meyler could possibly be permanent but I have to speak to Martin O'Neill. January is difficult because Martin will probably have to have someone lined up himself.
"To try and prise someone away is like if someone comes after one of ours in January. They would have no chance, unless they break the bank. And even then I don't think the owners would even contemplate it."
Bruce again admitted his interest in Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell and Swansea frontman Danny Graham, but preferred to heap praise on his current crop.
"I couldn't pick a man of the match," he added. "We had seven or eight, at least, who were really playing at the top of their game. We absolutely smashed Leeds, let's be fair about that."
• AHMED Elmohamady is a doubt for tomorrow's trip to Blackpool after suffering a strained calf muscle. He was due to be assessed by City's medical staff this morning.
Comments
by EuroTiger
Monday, December 31 2012, 4:58PM
“First time I saw the TIGERS I arrived at Meadowbank road on the 69 trolley and I was thoroughly diddel out of a tanner for the football quality that I saw - I've been hooked ever since.
My Dad always told me I would never see a bridge across the Humber or Hull city be anything other than a good third division team- he never thought that I would make much either.
I wonder if SB has a promising lad that he can put when we are well in front against Alfreton.
Knock a couple in and stake a claim son....
UTT 2013 is going to be very very good”
by Removal Man Hull - Local & Nationwide Removals & Storage
Monday, December 31 2012, 4:55PM
“With every match I see this team gets stronger, more confident. We ripped leeds apart from back to front. We passed palace and watford, two form teams off the park. I love koren n aluko up top, even if it leaves a bit lightweight. The talk is of a new striker, but who gets dropped if we sign one. Aluko? Koren? Or a midfielder? quinn, evans and myler. All undroppable. I am starting to feel the tigers on the crest of a wave and think even without a striker we will win this league. Happy New year to all tigers fans, players and staff worldwide. 2013 will be the year of the tiger.
ps:I'd rather finish 3rd on the last day and win at wembley purely for financial reasons, as the allams deserve every penny for what they have done so far.
EIEIEIO UP THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE WE GO”
by joy2010
Monday, December 31 2012, 4:14PM
“when in a positon to make play offs last year,barmby blew it by not adding to squad,well apart from king.This year the difference as been the premier league quality that bruce as brought in.stockdale,elmo,meyler,faye,add that to what we had,and some astute signings,bruce,aluko et el,and we have a really good squad,even with fryatt and dudgen,hobbs missing for most of season.We arent going to win every game,even barca dont,but the team look to be playing together and enjoying their football,we have to keep hold of meyler,he is a key player,carnt see oli getting back in,he as had enough chances.the top 2 is what we should be aiming for and we have the allams and bruce to thank for that,dont see many doubters on here now.whatever happens up to the end of the season,this is one of the best teams to ever grace the championship and can be anything it wants to be as long as Bruce and the Allams continue to get the support off the fans and move the club foward,i can only see good times ahead even if tomorrows result goes against us.Whilst i wouldnt like to derail our promotion push,good cup run please mr Bruce”
by jimmytheone
Monday, December 31 2012, 3:42PM
“Before even thinking of spending money on a striker it is vital in my opinion to get Elmo, Brady and Meyler signed up on permanent contracts THEN and only then should we consider the likes of Frazier Campbell or even a goalkeeper. Admittedly we are not scoring many goals but we are scoring enough to win matches. Ok we should have beaten Leicester but we kept a clean sheet and I really do believe our Swiss keeper will improve with every match. We have a great squad at the moment and as much as I admire Frazier I'm not fully convinced he would slot in that easily to how we are playing right now”
by allwaysred1
Monday, December 31 2012, 1:36PM
“great result”
by tigrob
Monday, December 31 2012, 1:07PM
“There seems to be a bit of "oh we are doing really well but its all going to go t*ts up" just stay cool, IMO we have a terriffic team who ALL look like they are pulling in the same direcion and truly believe and play for the manager.Last game was a 2-0 hammering we just need that bit of extra up front and MUST sign Meyler he looked a complete beast who Leeds just couldnt handle.Cardiff are the ones who should worry we WILL win the Championship this year of that I have no doubt just sit back and enjoy as I have said before this is the most golden time in Hull Citys history.”
by strummer1961
Monday, December 31 2012, 1:07PM
“In the past Blackpool may have provided a potential banana skin but with this team I am confident we can bag another 3 points tomorrow.
I've never seen a more skilful Tigers side and I've supported since 1969.
Every single player is confident on the ball,the understanding is outstanding and the team spirit is the best I've ever seen.
Merlin makes a good point re signings and we can all understand the feeling of being let down in the past but somehow the Club has a totally different feel about it these days.
The Allams bankrolled this Club and brought in a top drawer Manager,funds have been made available so far and I fully expect that to continue in January!!!
Hold on to your hats Tiger Nation....This is the best trip we've ever been on.”
by saxonking
Monday, December 31 2012, 12:55PM
“Can 2013 really better 2008, yes it can!”
by NeilTheasby
Monday, December 31 2012, 12:37PM
“Yes we are Yorkshire's top dogs but Middlesbrough are hot on our heels. Blackpool could be a banana skin after recent euphoria for pride always comes before a fall. Both Warnock and Zola - experienced football men - have said that Hull City are a special team. Lighting quick thinking by Aluko, Elmohamady, Brady, Koren, Evans etc mean that our passing game can be joyous to watch. To Mr Bruce, I'd say please don't go to Villa when they sack Lambert. You are part of something special now and it's not all about the money is it? Up The Tigers!”
by merlin_
Monday, December 31 2012, 12:30PM
“The team has gelled and is confident. As we have all been saying for a while, January business is now key. Keeping the ones we want to keep and bringing in the ones we need to improve.
A pivotal period. A difficult time.
All eyes are on Steve, the club,players themselves and the market. What happens on the pitch is always key but we will now soon witness the importance of the backroom wheeling and dealings - so often our downfall in the past.
Fascinating times at City.”