Opinion – Ipswich (H)

Hull City 2 Ipswich Town 2 by The Football Widow

I’m not going to talk about football but more of the ambience and my observations of the ups and downs of 90 minutes! I am after all the football widow, following the dedicated writing of my husband’s book ’46 and counting…a family journey’. So in no way I am qualified to do so!

With Saturday afternoon upon us, we visited my mum, a big football fan, who even though has advanced dementia, still raises a smile at the mention of her hero King Kenny! As we left we asked her to cosmic order for the team and fans today, cosmic ordering I should explain is known as positive thinking, power of visualisation what you want. A difficult concept for my husband and son to understand in these current Hull City times. Our opponents today were Ipswich, (more fondly known as Light-switch town in our family, erroneously named by Tom in his infant football days!!)

It was the first game following Remembrance Sunday, it amazes me that some people don’t have the decency, compassion or understanding to hold their tongues for a solitary silent minute!

The last time I watched City I likened the performance to participants on an outward bound course, seemingly flung together and lacking the solidarity and component of a gelled team. But they won 6-1, as I said what do I know, I’m just the football widow! To be honest I’d had a couple of large glasses of wine and if we won, the promise of tea in Shoot the Bull was on the cards, so I wasn’t really too fussed as long as the score was favourable. A loss would only mean in a grumpy household and a bag of chips at best.

After only 3 minutes, the home fans were chanting to politely ask the owners to move on! I didn’t join in, I was enjoying today’s Hull Pie…steak and chorizo, a winter warmer if ever there was one! Worth the effort of trying to eat this culinary delight with a plastic fork, when in ‘Ull – the city of culture and all that!

Before the end of my pie we were 1-0 down. But on 34 minutes, we were back in the game with an equaliser from Bowen. This came at the right time, we were just beginning to feel the chill, and this lifted the atmosphere from despair to elation. Not long after half time we went 2-1 up! I chuckled to myself as at 67 minutes we made a substitution, Grosicki going off. Many of the fans stood up and applauded. How lovely this must this be for a player, I wonder if the same will happen when the night nurses show up for their 12 hour shift at Hull Royal Infirmary this Saturday night?

Once more despair fell and they were awarded a penalty, I told my husband not to worry and I quickly cosmic ordered, and assisted McGregor in saving the ball! No sweat! Most of the 15,526 (as if!) stayed until the end but by god you couldn’t half feel the draft after the mass exodus when the inevitable and now to be expected late equaliser went in to square things up at 2-2. So very sad to see so many empty seats at the KCOM.

My summary of today, watching Hull City sober is not for the faint hearted!

Weekly News Update

So, after a weekend of watching a young, inexperienced England team keep out the world’s top 2 ranked nations, we are back to the bread and butter of club football this Saturday. In what will be the club’s remembrance fixture we will take on Ipswich Town looking to get back on track after three successive defeats. A leaky defence has been our undoing in recent matches so hopefully the break has given the team much needed time on the training pitch! Here’s the update from the Trust this week…

Statement on Call for Amnesty.
Last Friday Hull City released this statement calling for an amnesty in protests along with the reintroduction of “Concessions”.

On Wednesday we issued our response which you can read here. We believe the proposed concessions are not acceptable in their current format given it is impossible for someone to pay less for a ticket.

We are pleased to announce however that we have now been invited to an extra Supporters’ Committee Meeting on Wednesday 22nd November where Assem and Ehab Allam will be present. After consultation with our members we feel the meeting should concentrate on 3 core issues:

1. Concessions

2. Supporter Engagement

3. Branding

Please feel free to contact us here should you wish us to raise any other points.

Black and Amber Sale Friday 24th November.
Next week we will be hosting our own “Black and Amber Friday Sale”. Check out the Trust shop for fantastic deals on all our Merchandise which will make perfect Christmas presents!
 
We will also keep you updated via Facebook and Twitter next Friday with all the special offers. All profits are reinvested into the Trust to support our aims and objectives so your purchases do make a difference to many people.

Development Review
Monday saw a fine 0-3 win for the u23 side away at Sheffield United with goals from Keane Lewis-Potter (2) and Billy Chadwick.  Last Saturday an academy side played Sculcoates Amateurs in County Senior cup.  Two goals from Ahmed Salam and an extra time winner from Jacob Greaves secured a 2-3 win.

The next academy action is on Saturday when the u23 side take on Sheffield Wednesday at the KCOM.  The match is due to kick off at 17:00 and will follow the senior side’s match with Ipswich Town so we hope some members will stay on and lend their support.  Also on Saturday the u18 side will meet Huddersfield Town at Bishop Burton College with kick-off scheduled at 11:00.

Hull City Ladies
City ladies have progressed to the second round of the Womens FA Cup after beating Steel City Wanderers FC Ladies 4-1 last week.

They have been drawn away to Derby County, the tie will be played on Sunday 3rd December.

The Reserves play Bolton Wanderers ladies Reserves at Hull University on Sunday 19th November, kick off 2:00 p.m. HCST Junior members also get free entry with the season pass they will have received recently in the post.

Membership
Sign up or renew your membership of the Hull City Supporters’ Trust
here

Amber Nectar
More wisdom from our friends at Amber Nectar.

Please follow these links for the latest Podcast and  Things We Think We Think.

Hull City Fans Forum on Hull Kingston Radio
More fan-focused chat hosted by Ian Waterson.

You can listen to the latest programme here.

Tigers Down Under
The latest podcast from our antipodean friends.

Please follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

HCST’s Partners of the Week
In this week’s Partner of the Week section, we have an in-focus look at two HCST partners – Essence Holistics & Nudge Websites

Our first partner of the week is Essence Holistics.

Situated at La Luna Wellbeing, 241 Chanterlands Avenue, Hull HU5 4DH.

Contact Corrine on 07809 214453 for an appointment (appointments necessary).

10% OFF ALL TREATMENTS FOR HCST MEMBERS

Essence Holistics offers a wide range of relaxing therapies at competitive prices. Visit our lovely therapy room and relax with Aromatherapy, Swedish Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology and Luxury Holistic Facials. At Essence Holistics we only use high quality products and never use pre-blended oils. Check out our Facebook page for monthly deals. We are registered with the Guild of Holistic Therapists. We look forward to seeing you.

Our second partner of the week is Nudge Websites.

Email: info@nudgewebsites.co.uk Tel. 07557 478 277

25% DISCOUNT ON ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Nudge Websites is a digital and web agency based in Hull, East Yorkshire. We specialize in website design & development, online marketing and digital strategy. We address the real-world needs of business owners with proven (and ethical) methods of generating web traffic, building trust, and ultimately converting your visitors into paying customers.

Merchandise Offer
For this week’s offer, #AskEhab t-shirts are £9. Buy yours from the store  here.

 

Stop the front page!
HCST are looking for new contributors to our website.

These can be articles about football in general, all things Hull City or match reports. So if you’re a sports journalist in the making or just fancy giving it a go as a hobby please let us know – you don’t need to be a professional – all articles will be welcome. There’s no requirement to produce words every week or month, just as and when you are able to. If you are interested please email contact@hullcityst.com 

Weekly News Update

At least we won’t lose this weekend… The International break has probably come at a good time for City. Three successive defeats culminating in a woeful second half at Bramall Lane has left City hovering just above the relegation zone. A team that has at times proved very potent attacking has all too often been let down by a generous defence that is conceding far too many goals. Two weeks on the training field will hopefully allow Mr Slutsky to work with the team and come up with a plan to stop this slide down the table. Here’s your weekly news update from the Trust…
STOP PRESS – Message from the Vice Chairman.
Hull City Vice Chairman Ehab Allam has posted a message
here about the possible return of Concession pricing and proposed dialogue with the fans.
We note the following: ‘* One Junior ticket per Adult ticket only, additional Junior tickets will be priced at the Concession price’ (The same as the current price – so no real saving at all…)
Please let us have your opinion on this – contact us here.
FSF Regional Meeting
At the recent Yorkshire FSF (Football Supporters’ Federation) meeting that HCST hosted in Hull, we were asked for suggestions as to what measures should be in place to ensure existing club owners were ‘Fit and Proper’.
 
We welcome any suggestions or opinions that you may have on this matter. Please email us here.
 
We saw this week good news for Blackpool fans in their long running battle against owner Karl Oyston. Clubs should never be put in this situation where owners and fans are in such dispute with each other, a situation we are sadly all to familiar with at Hull City. But for now, congratulation to Blackpool supporters.
Les Mutrie Banner
HCST was pleased to see that the Les Mutrie banner from the Nottingham Forest game has been donated to his family who were very grateful. RIP Les.
 
Hull City Council Statement: Gate-Gate
The council released the following statement on Wednesday regarding the current situation of no access through West Park from Argyle Street to Walton Street:
If you wish to express a view on this matter, please email Councillor Alan Clark here.
 
Charity Football Match – Cure for Hayley
Ian Ashbee and other Hull City legends are taking part in a charity game at Beverley Longcroft School, Sunday at 11:30am.
They will be facing a team of Health Club Members/Staff with the game being played in support of www.cure4hayley.com There will also be a raffle and after match food at the Willerby and Kirk Ella Snooker Club.
 
 
Development Review
Last week was a bit of a mixed bag for the development sides.  Last Saturday the u18 side lost by the only goal of the game against Birmingham City at Bishop Burton College.
The u23 side did well to win 2-3 last Friday evening at Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League Cup which keeps their interest alive after the defeat to Exeter City.  Twice Albion came back from behind to equalise but in the end City proved to strong with goals from Ben Hinchliffe, Tom Powell and Keane Lewis-Potter.  Monday though was an afternoon to forget at Bolton Wanderers with the u23 side going down 6-1, the consolation goal from Tom Powell.
The u23 side are next in action on Monday meeting Sheffield United at the Stocksbridge Park Steels ground with kick off at 14:00.  The u18 side do not have a game this week.
There has been more loan activity involving City development players.  Josh Clackstone has joined Dan Batty on a month’s loan at FC Halifax Town.  He will hopefully get his debut this weekend when the Shaymen take on Woking FC at home.
 
International Break
Once again we are on International Break week.  A lot of fans view this as an inconvenience, though with Hull City’s recent form perhaps it is a welcome break! 
There are a number of local teams where it is still possible to get your football fix and just enjoy a game without all the just enjoy a game without all the accompanying baggage.
Dean Windass will be a special guest at Hall Road Rangers on Tuesday 14 November and will be available for a chat and autographs.  More details about this and other local non-league games can be found here.
Hull City Ladies
City ladies are next back in action this Sunday with a double header starting at 12:30 pm, Hull University.
They First Team are playing Steel City Wanderers FC Ladies in the Women’s FA Cup, Followed at 2:00 pm by the Reserves vs Guisley Vixens. With no club football why not get down and support them. HCST Junior members also get free entry with the season pass they will have received recently in the post.
Membership
Sign up or renew your membership of the Hull City Supporters’ Trust
here
Amber Nectar
The popular Amber Nectar podcast has been nominated for a FSF award!
We’re sure Andy, Les and Matt have provided many of you with entertainment on a Monday night over the past few years. You can vote for them here.
Please follow these links for the latest  Podcast and  Things We Think We Think.
 
Hull City Fans Forum on Hull Kingston Radio
More fan-focused chat hosted by Ian Waterson.
You can listen to the latest programme here.
 
Tigers Down Under
The latest
podcast from our antipodean friends.
Please follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

HCST’s Partners of the Week 
In this week’s Partner of the Week section, we have an in-focus look at two HCST partners – Harpers Fish & Chips (Beverley) & Hemingway Bailey Ltd
Our first partner of the week is Harpers Fish & Chips (Beverley).
36 – 38 Lairgate, Beverley, HU17 8EU. Tel: 01482 867148
10% DISCOUNT ON ALL SALES FOR HCST MEMBERS
Harpers of Wetwang have been serving our famous fish & chips from our branch at Lairgate, Beverley for the last 12 months. We offer quality food in a restaurant and takeaway capacity, with a licensed bar and disabled facilities. Located on Lairgate in the heart of Beverley town centre, we are perfectly positioned for people visiting Beverley for the day, as well as the local community. We can accommodate parties of any size, any day of the week.
 
Our second partner of the week is Hemingway Bailey Ltd.
Hemingway Bailey Ltd, Chartered Management Accountants
01482 679333
10% DISCOUNT ON STANDARD FEES
Hemingway Bailey are Chartered Management Accountants based in Beverley, aiming to provide you with better insights into your business.  We provide the usual tax and accountancy services, with the help and assistance that aids you to improve your bottom line by working closely alongside you throughout the year. We are offering a 10% discount on our standard fees for Hull City Supporters’ Trust members.  Get in touch to find out how we can give you more time and help improve your business.
Merchandise Offer
This weeks offer is all #AskEhab t-shirts are £9. Buy yours from the store  
here.
Stop the front page!
HCST are looking for new contributors to our website.
These can be articles about football in general, all things Hull City or match reports. So if you’re a sports journalist in the making or just fancy giving it a go as a hobby please let us know – you don’t need to be a professional – all articles will be welcome. There’s no requirement to produce words every week or month, just as and when you are able to. If you are interested please email contact@hullcityst.com

Non-League Guide

Here’s our non-league guide by Pete Fleming

Once again we are on International Break week. A lot of fans view this as an inconvenience, though with Hull City’s recent form perhaps it is a welcome break! There are a number of local teams where it is still possible to get your football fix and just enjoy a game without all the just enjoy a game without all the accompanying baggage. Please note that all of these fixtures offer concessions and so are a good way of getting a cheap football fix for the whole family.

Games on Saturday 11 November

Step 5 Hall Road Rangers, who are 10th in the NCEL premier division have a FA Vase second round tie at home to Pontefract Collieries, who are 2nd in the same division and making a habit of scoring 5 goals a game. Manager Bill Gill will be looking for a good performance from the team who have made a decent start to the season following their promotion as last season’s division 1 champions and are taking on the side promoted in second place in a game likely to have goals. Rangers are in good form having comprehensively beating Worksop Town 4-0 last Saturday (4 November). Haworth Park is down Dawson Drive off Beverley Road (HU6 7DY)and admission is £5 (concessions £2.50).

Step 2 North Ferriby United, who are bottom of National League North, are at home to one of the great historic names of Yorkshire football, Bradford Park Avenue who 10th in the table. This is likely to be a difficult game for the Villagers who have just started to show a slight improvement in form which is needed to lift them off the bottom. The Eon Media Stadium will be familiar to many City supporters and is down Church Road in North Ferriby and admission is £12 (concessions £6 for students and OAPs, £4 under 16s and free for under 12s with adults).

Step 6 East Yorkshire Carnegie, who gained promotion last season from the Humber Premier League take on a good Grimsby Borough side at Dunswell Park in Dunswell (HU6 0AA) (probably better known as Dene Park) in Dunswell. Grimsby, who were unlucky not to be promoted last season in the play off, are currently 4th in the league and will be a tough test for Jonny Ricardo’s men who are in 13th. Admission is adults £5 and concessions £3.

Step 5 Barton Town travel up to Pickering for their match this weekend. Pickering, who are 4th and were well fancied for promotion, will be looking for maximum points against Dave Ricardo’s side that are in 20th spot and undergoing a period of change under new management. Pickering’s ground is off Mill Lane, Malton Rd (YO18 7DB) and admission is adults £5 and concessions £3.

Further afield, Dan Batty and Josh Clackstone, who are on loan from the City development squad, are likely to be on the team sheet as step 1 National League side FC Halifax Town take on Woking FC at the Shay (HX1 2YS). Admission is adults £18, concessions (Over 65’s and Students with ID) £15, U16’s £5 and U7’s £3.

Games on Tuesday 14 November

Step 5 Hall Road Rangers are at home to Liversedge in the league. Dean Windass will be a special guest at this match and will be on hand for a chat and to sign autographs. (Ground details as above).

Step 5 Barton Town take on bottom of the league Clipstone who have yet to register a point. Clipstone’s recent form isn’t as bad as results would suggest but a lot will rest on the form of 17 year old keeper Levi Owen who has been getting rave reviews. The Easy Buy Stadium is down Marsh Lane (further down from the cricket ground) in Barton-on-Humber and admission is £5 (concessions £3.00).

Step 5 Bridlington Town take on free scoring Pontefract Collieries in the league. Curtis Woodhouse will not be happy with the position of his side that are currently 9th, and will be looking for improvement even though the goal of promotion this season is unlikely. The Hudgell Solicitors Stadium is down Queensgate (YO16 7LN) and admission is adults £6 and concessions £3.

Weekly News Update

Two games at home in the space of four days against opposition languishing in mid-table, surely these games will give us a good benchmark of where City are this season….. oh dear, sadly it appears so. Two very forgettable performances and six goals conceded, not to mention two penalties and a red card. City were pretty woeful for the majority of the 180 minutes and it is certainly not the form you want going into a Yorkshire derby away at lofty Sheffield United. Lets hope City’s three game unbeaten run away from home can continue.
Just one point to add given the events during the match against Nottingham Forest. We believe the vast, vast majority of supporters see the Allams leaving as the only way forward for the club. How fans go about asking or forcing them to leave, or indeed taking any action at all is still a split opinion. However, all fans’ opinion on this matter should be respected. For some supporting the team they loved has become a chore and they feel as though something has been stolen from them. It is therefore understandable why they feel the need to protest. Others feel the Allams will only leave when they are ready, and that may be the case, and in which case there is no point in attempting to hasten their exit. What is for certain is we all want to see Hull City succeed, we are all on the same side. If we are not together then we are losing the battle.
Here’s your update from the trust this week…
HCST Hull City Hall of Fame
On Wednesday we reluctantly announced the end of our involvement from the club’s new Hall of Fame.  
 
The main reason for this was we felt a Hall of Fame for Hull City should be named the Hull City Hall of Fame, or Hull City AFC Hall of Fame to give it its ceremonial title. The club’s decision to name it Tigers Hall of Fame as part of their failing, ongoing rebrand was not something we could support. You can read our statement in full here.
Why Join the HCST?
A few weeks ago we informed you of our new YouTube channel. There is now  a new video featuring Chairman Geoff Bielby at the Tiger Rags exhibition explaining why you should consider joining the HCST.
Check out the video here
We also have here some words from new Director Ian Bunton on why he felt the need to join as a member.
The more members we have the stronger we become so please renew your remembership if it is due to expire or try and sign up a fellow supporter if they are not a member! Link here.
 
Independent Football Ombudsman Annual Report
The IFO have published their ninth Annual Report and it makes interesting reading for City fans.
Read the full report here.
 
 
Dutch Tigers
This week  we have an interview with three Dutch Tigers and how they got into following City.
Read the article here.
Please follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
 
 
Development Review
After a pretty dismal week for the first team, the development squads gave a reason to smile with both the u23 and u18 sides winning 4-2 last Saturday.
In the morning the u18 side won away at Bolton Wanderers with goals from Keane Lewis-Potter, Dan Hawkins, Josh Thacker, Ahmed Salam.  Following the Forest game the u23 side beat Birmingham City at the KCOM with goals from Tom Powell, Robbie McKenzie, Liam Edwards, Ben Hinchliffe.
The u18 side are at home to Birmingham City at Bishop Burton College this Saturday with kick-off at 12:00.  The u23 side take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Performance centre tonight, kick-off at 19:00.
Dan Batty has started a month’s loan at National League side FC Halifax Town making his first start last Saturday and had an immediate impact with a goal in the side’s 4-2 defeat at Tranmere Rovers.
Charlie Andrew has started a ‘work experience placement’ with step 5 side Pickering Town in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.  He too played last Saturday at home against local side Hall Road Rangers and was only beaten in the 93rd minute in what ended a 1-1 draw.
 
City/HCAFC Scarves
We are pleased to say that we have received a new batch of our very popular scarves.
With the nights getting colder its the perfect addition to your match day attire. Or perhaps even as an early Christmas present! These can be bought online from our shop here.
Membership
Sign up or renew your membership of the Hull City Supporters’ Trust
here
Amber Nectar
The popular Amber Nectar podcast has been nominated for a FSF award!
We’re sure Andy, Les and Matt have provided many of you with entertainment on a Monday night over the past few years. You can vote for them here.
Please follow these links for the latest  Podcast and  Things We Think We Think.
 
Hull City Fans Forum on Hull Kingston Radio
More fan-focused chat hosted by Ian Waterson.
You can listen to the latest programme here.
 
Tigers Down Under
The latest
podcast from our antipodean friends.
Please follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

HCST’s Partners of the Week 
In this week’s Partner of the Week section, we have an in-focus look at two HCST partners – Hornsea Town Walking Football & The Frying Farmer
Our first partner of the week is Hornsea Town Walking Football
Walking football club predominantly played by men over fifty, but no minimum or maximum age limits to play. Walk your way back to fitness with HTWFC. HCST Members benefit from 50% off annual membership.
They meet Sundays, 9:30am-10:30am, Hornsea School and Language College, Eastgate, Hornsea, HU18 1DW.
Their Facebook page can be found here.
 
Our second partner of the week is The Frying Farmer.
23 Hornsea Road, Aldbrough
HCST members can get a free side order with a takeaway meal or a free hot drink when eating in the restaurant.
Merchandise Offer
This weeks offer is all #AskEhab t-shirts are £9. Buy yours from the store  
here.
Stop the front page!
HCST are looking for new contributors to our website.
These can be articles about football in general, all things Hull City or match reports. So if you’re a sports journalist in the making or just fancy giving it a go as a hobby please let us know – you don’t need to be a professional – all articles will be welcome. There’s no requirement to produce words every week or month, just as and when you are able to. If you are interested please email contact@hullcityst.com

Why Join HCST

Trust Director Ian Bunton explains why he joined the HCST and why you maybe should too!

WHY JOIN THE HCST

Back in October 1977, Dad decided I was old enough to be taken to my first Hull City game.

A midweek home game under the floodlights at Boothferry Park, against Spurs. During the few days build up, I was extremely excited and can to this day, still remember it vividly.

Donned in scarf and holding Dad’s hand, walking down County Road with the swarm of fellow fans. Smelling the burger stands, hearing the shouts of the progamme and golden goal sellers, and the click of the turnstile. The clamber up the steps to take our seats in the South stand behind the goal, and then, the awe of the lights and the pitch itself, not to mention the players.

City even went on to win 2-0, courtesy of two Alan Warboys goals.

The whole experience was truly magical. Even at that tender age, I never wanted that feeling to go away.

In the forty years since, yes, that feeling has ebbed and flowed, but deep down, I’ve always felt it there.

We’ve experienced many lows as Hull City fans, and some unbelievable highs; highs which we thought would never happen.

Dad has sadly since passed away, and I have now adopted the responsibility of taking my own son through the same journey and experiences. We’ve even recently achieved a lifelong ambition of mine, in attending every City game during the 15/16 season, meeting some great fellow City supporters along the way, each with their own stories.

One overriding feeling came through.

Even during some of those lows with City, we always felt wanted by the club. We are the lifeblood of it, always have been, and always will be. Players come and go, as do owners, but the majority of supporters remain loyal.

However, despite the last few seasons seeing unprecedented success on the pitch, a multitude of poor management decisions by our current owners, have alienated us fans. We no longer feel wanted or part of OUR club, Hull City AFC.

When the 15/16 season finished, and we’d witnessed our 58th game of the season, despite it ending in Wembley success, it was by many, described as the saddest promotion ever.

So, unlike in recent years, rather than simply crossing my fingers and hoping that things would change, I thought I should do more.

This led me to initially become a member of the Hull City Supporters Trust (HCST).

At first, it just felt like the right thing to do. There was a body, who were prepared to voice an opinion, on behalf of City supporters, and speak out about issues like No Concessions, No Fan Dialogue and Name Changes by stealth.

And then I looked a bit further about exactly what the HCST did, and their aims. It is certainly more than just airing views.

The HCST has already been successful in a number of areas, liasing with recognised football bodies including The Premier League, The EFL, The Football Supporters Federation, Supporters Direct, but to name a few. It will be an even stronger body, with even more success, with increased membership numbers.

So if you have maybe become a lapsed member, or not yet joined, I would urge you to become a member. The membership is excellent value for money, offering discounts to members, and represents just the equivalent of a few pints.

Whilst I appreciate that things may not change overnight, and the current owners – fan divide is becoming ever large, things can and will change. The HCST, with your help and membership can be integral in achieving that.

Join now.

Let’s get back to that magical feeling of being a City fan.

Dutch Tigers

Hull City AFC have fans all across the world. Well known supporters groups are based in Norway and Australia, but also Holland houses at least a couple of dozens of Tigers fans. Some of them are expats, some of them are native Dutchmen who somehow fell in love with Hull City at some point in their lives. In 2014 the Dutch Hull City supporters group was founded. They are active on Twitter (@TigersNL) and Facebook (Hull City Nederland). Below, three Dutch Tigers introduce themselves.

My name is Mels Daalder. I’m 26 years old and I live on the island of Texel, 80 miles north of Amsterdam.

The first time I visited Hull City was in December 2006 in a Championship game against Cardiff City. This game was one of the best games in the season, we won by 4-1. We narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 19th in the league.

The atmosphere at the stadium was great and when I came back in Holland I decided to keep following this club. I’ve visited a City game almost every year ever since. I’ve seen some great games against Leeds United, West Ham, Manchester City, Charlton Athletic (away), West Bromwich Albion and Everton. Every week I check the live scores on internet and watch the highlights on Youtube.

My expectations for this season are mixed because we can win against any team in this league but we can also lose against any team. Hopefully we can sign some new players in the next transfer window and reach the play-offs but I think a mid table position is more obvious.

My name is Dennis Kloosterman, I’m 21 years old. Back in 2008, I played Online Football Manager with a group of friends. Everyone had picked a team already when I joined. Only a few sides were still available, one of which was Hull City, the team I eventually chose. Season after season, I guided City to the Premier League title, and none of my friends understood how I managed to do so. I started showing some interest in the real life version of the club, and slowly but surely I became a big fan.

On 4 May 2013, I was watching my local non-league team BAS Voetbal from Biddinghuizen, who were playing an important away game. Simultaneously, Hull City were playing their legendary home game against Cardiff City. During the game I closely followed all developments at the KCOM Stadium, and I was thrilled to learn we got promoted. The following season, I went to visit my first game at the KCOM Stadium, against Tottenham Hotspur. I’ve visited at least one game per season ever since. I even built a “Hull City man cave” recently, as you can see on the photograph included. If you have some spare merchandise for the man cave, do contact me!

The current season hasn’t been a great success so far. I feel Ehab Allam is the man to blame. He’s taken too many wrong decisions. Besides that, not offering concessionary pricing is unacceptable. The supporters form the lifeblood of a club, but many families are currently being driven away from our fan base.

But I remain confident that eventually, we will find our way out of this misery. It may take a while, but one day the feel good factor will return and our fan base will be united again. We are fighters, we have a wonderful stadium, we deserve to become a stable Premier League club.

My name is Dennis Matthijs, 22 years old, and I live in Rotterdam. I’ve been following Hull City for over nine years now. I can’t remember very well why it happened, but I fell in love with the club after watching a random game on television, and I’ve followed the Tigers ever since.

As soon as I turned 18, I travelled to Hull to visit my first game. I’ve been to four games now: two home games, and two away games: Lokeren and Fulham. Especially the away games were brilliant. I think I lost my voice on both occasions.

I hope to add another game later this season. Most likely an away game, as the current atmosphere at the club doesn’t make it very enticing to visit the KCOM Stadium. As for me, the sooner the Allams sell up, the better. Over the past four years, they have actively sought to divide our fan base. The empty seats hurt me a lot, as do the arguments that our own fans have often had with each other. I really hope that change will come at some point and that the ties between club and fans will be restored. I don’t even care what league it is we play in anymore – above all I just hope that the days will return that we have a well filled stadium and a club to be truly proud of again.