Walking into the Cignal training ground last week felt different. I’ve been covering Hull City for years, and while my focus is usually on the Tigers, I couldn’t help but draw parallels when I heard about Shaq delos Santos’s situation. The man had just lost two of his most trusted players—Ces Molina and Riri Meneses—players he’d coached for more than a decade. That kind of shake-up isn’t just a roster change; it’s an emotional quake. And honestly, it reminded me of what Hull City has been navigating this season—reshuffling, rebuilding, and pushing forward when key pieces suddenly aren’t there anymore.
Let’s talk about Hull City’s recent match results because, frankly, they’ve been a mixed bag—and I don’t say that lightly. Over the past five games, the Tigers have secured two wins, two draws, and one loss. Not terrible, but not exactly promotion form either. Their 2–1 victory against Middlesbrough last Saturday was gritty, a match where they showed real character after going a goal down early. I’ve always believed that how a team responds to setbacks tells you more than how they perform when they’re ahead, and in that game, the midfield—led by Greg Docherty—really stepped up. Docherty completed 88% of his passes and made three key tackles, stats that might sound dry but honestly reflect the kind of work rate that doesn’t always make the highlight reels. Still, I can’t ignore the 0–0 draw with Stoke City the week before. It was frustrating to watch—a game where chances were created but not converted. Hull had 14 shots, only three on target. That’s just not enough if you want to climb the Championship table.
Now, I know some fans have been vocal about the team’s inconsistency, and I get it. But stepping back, I see something taking shape. Look at the younger players like Liam Delap—on loan from Manchester City—who’s starting to find his rhythm. He’s scored three goals in his last seven appearances, and while that might not set the world on fire, it’s progress. And let’s not forget the impact of manager Shota Arveladze, who’s been trying to implement a more possession-based style. It’s a shift from the direct, high-press approach we saw earlier in the season, and honestly, I think it’s the right direction—even if it’s taking time to gel. When I compare it to what Shaq delos Santos is facing with his squad overhaul, it strikes me that both situations are about trust. Trust in new systems, trust in fresh faces. It’s not just about tactics; it’s about belief.
Off the pitch, there’s been movement too. The January transfer window saw Hull bring in two new signings—a defender from Portugal’s top flight and a winger from a League One side. I won’t pretend to know if they’ll be instant successes, but what I do know is that the club is thinking long-term. They’ve also renewed contracts for three academy graduates, which sends a clear message: this club is investing in its identity. And that matters. In an era where football feels increasingly transient—players moving every other season—seeing a club commit to its roots is refreshing. It’s something I wish more teams, at every level, would prioritize.
But let’s circle back to the emotional side of the game, because that’s where the real stories live. When I read about Shaq delos Santos having to “process the shock exits” of Molina and Meneses, it hit home. Football isn’t just numbers and formations; it’s about relationships built over years. Hull City isn’t immune to that. Remember when Jarrod Bowen left for West Ham in 2020? The void he left wasn’t just in goals—it was in leadership, in spirit. The club took almost two seasons to properly fill that gap. So when I see fans getting impatient with the current rebuild, I understand, but I also think: give it time. Transitions are messy. They’re emotional. And sometimes, the most important wins aren’t the ones on the scoreboard, but the ones that happen in the dressing room.
As for what’s next, I’m cautiously optimistic. Hull sits 12th in the Championship table as of today, with 48 points from 35 matches. They’re eight points off the playoff spots, which isn’t an impossible gap, but it’ll require a near-perfect run-in. Key players like Lewie Coyle and Allahyar Sayyadmanesh need to stay fit—Sayyadmanesh has already contributed five goals and four assists this season, and his creativity could be the difference in tight games. But more than that, the team needs to find a way to turn those draws into wins. I’ve said it before: in this league, momentum is everything. One big victory can spark a run, just like one tough loss can derail it.
In the end, whether we’re talking about Hull City or a coach like Shaq delos Santos halfway across the world, the heart of football remains the same. It’s about building something that lasts, even when pieces fall away. So as I wrap up, I’ll leave you with this: keep an eye on this Hull City squad. They’re not the finished article—far from it—but there’s a resilience there that I admire. And if they can channel that, who knows? Maybe by May, we’ll be talking about a surprise playoff push. Or maybe not. But either way, I’ll be here, watching, because this is the kind of journey that reminds me why I fell in love with the game in the first place.