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Hull City paper talk, November 19: Amrabat again, ladies score 19, 'Ambition and Tradition'

November 19, 2013, 5:00 am
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Our daily blog with the latest news, transfer rumours and gossip about Hull City in the Premier League. Today, more Nordin Amrabat rumours, Crystal Palace looks set to play Tigers without a manager, and the ladies score 19!The Mirror has piled in on those Nordin Amrabat rumours. "They will make a second swoop for the Moroccan international when the January transfer window opens," today's report claims. Hull City were linked with a loan move for Amrabat in the summer but Galatasaray decided to hold on to the former Ajax winger. "But former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is now at Galatasaray and has branded Amrabat surplus to requirements," adds today's report. The reason? He wants to clear the decks for new signings without falling foul of Turkey's cap on foreign players.Coppell: Palace can win next three Former manager Steve Coppell says the next three games are crucial for Crystal Palace. Coppell, now director of football at League One Crawley, says his old club has "winnable" matches against City, Norwich and West Ham - despite still being without a manager since the departure of Ian Holloway. He said: "Keith Millen has done a good job in the last few games. He has intimated that he doesn't want the job but he has stabilised the team, against Arsenal and Everton, so the signs are there." Palace have been without a boss since October 23. Ex-Chelsea player Dan Petrescu is thought to be among the front-runners for the position with the Premier League's bottom side along with Burnley's Sean Dyche and former boss Iain Dowie. But despite their perlious position, Coppell says the club are right to be patient. "They need a manager who can cope with the Premier League football and also have the energy, if they do go down, to drive the club back up again. It is a complex process."Millen told to prepare for Tigers With Palace's manager search rumbling on, Millen has been told to prepare the team for Saturday's match against City. "I must admit I was a little bit in limbo this weekend about what to do or think," said Millen. "I ended up doing things around the house and the garden. But I spoke to the chairman on Sunday lunchtime and he said to prepare and start thinking about the Hull game." Midfielder Jonny Williams could come into contention for a place in the Eagles' squad. He has been sidelined for three months with an injured ankle but will play for the reserves this evening. Supporters launch 'Ambition and Tradition' slogan We report today on the City Till We Die group's challenge to Assem Allam to ballot season ticket holders over his rebranding plans. The fans are theming their plans under the slogan Ambition and Tradition. Their statement reads: "We believe that fans want a football club that grows into a Premier League force, raising the revenues needed to do that while maintaining a keen eye on the club's history and standing in the football world. Ambition and tradition." It's a sentiment that will strike a chord with many fans who in darker days helped save City by invoking the power of history, the passion of identity and a determination for a better future. Fans are rightfully grateful to Dr Allam for all the work he has done to ensure the club's financial security and continuing success. However, you only have to think back to the situation in the late 90s to understand why so many are so committed to the campaign to keep the name Hull City AFC.Hull Tigers Ladies beat Victoria Dock 19-0 Hull Tigers Ladies went goal crazy as they eased through to the next round of the East Riding Cup with a 19-0 win over Victoria Dock. Zoe Mitchell's five-goal haul saw her emerge as the game's top scorer, but Rebecca Beech (4) and Molly Storey (3) ran her close. With Sophie Etherington and Megan Hornby both bagging a brace, goals from Mel Halstead, Stacey Hubbard and Kate Rowland rounded off the scoring. Manager Rachel Gay was pleased by the comfortable manner of the win, especially as the clash allowed her to hand a debut to new signing Jodie Croft in the centre of midfield. Goalkeeper Kathryn Batte, 16, only had to make one save from a long distance shot in a mismatch which did not really achieve anything for the development of either side. Gay said: "Obviously, I am delighted with the result, it was a really professional performance from the girls. Credit must go to Victoria Dock, who did not give up and kept going until the end. But we played some really good football and did not let our intensity drop." The second-placed Tigers will travel away to third-placed York for another tough league game on Sunday.

• More transfer rumours: Hull City paper talk November 18

Hull City paper talk, November 19: Amrabat again, ladies score 19, 'Ambition and Tradition'

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The rise and rise of Hull's Veterans Football league

November 19, 2013, 5:43 am
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Age is no limit in the Hull and District Veterans' League, which now has more than 30 teams based all over East Yorkshire. Danny Longhorn finds out why so many old boy players want another bite of the cherry.

AT THE age of 50, after years of playing competitive football, Bryan Watson could have been forgiven for hanging up his boots. But this was a game he loved and, although he admits he was long past playing at amateur level, there was no reason competitive football could not still be a part of his life.

Bryan organised a meeting of like-minded players in 1999 and, although nothing formal came out of it, it did lead to a series of friendly matches that resulted in the inaugural season of the Hull and District Veterans' League in summer 2001.

Over the next 12 years, the initial six sides taking part has increased to more than 30, based all over East Yorkshire.

Even now, aged 64, Bryan can still be seen showing off his skills on a Sunday for his County Road Veterans football team.

"Like any game, you either love it or you can't stand it," said Bryan, who is one of the oldest players in the league.

"I was playing from under-15s and have played it right through.

"It has become habit, I think. I also like the fitness aspect.

"I enjoy it if the games are enjoyable. If you don't play well, you wonder about packing it in. But then next game, you find you are back out there putting the nets up."

Bryan will have to play until he is 70 to match now retired Arthur Frisby's record of playing in the Hull and District Veterans' League.

"There are certainly a few more aches and pains than when I played when I was younger," said Bryan.

"I keep saying I will retire, but who knows?"

Bryan did have his doubters when the first league, which has since increased to three leagues, began.

"I was long past playing amateur football in my late 40s, early 50s," Bryan said. "You don't want to get run ragged by a 20-year-old.

"The only choice was retirement, as there was not really the choice to continue playing 11-a-side.

"At first, people thought the veterans' game wouldn't catch on. Nationally, only the veterans' and ladies' games are currently growing."

But, given their advancing years, do the players go easy on each other?

"They are very competitive games," said Bryan.

"We are in Division Three and we don't get an easy game. It is hard to tone it down.

"You compete for every ball. It's not one of those things where you say, 'After you, you have the ball'."

The game is open to anyone aged older than 36.

Jeff Klarik, the league's secretary and treasurer, said: "I think veterans' football is attractive because we don't play every week. It is usually fortnightly.

"The game has certainly increased and spread as far as Goole, Driffield, Hornsea and South Cave. Probably one-third of the teams are Hull-based and two-thirds from outside Hull.

"It keeps players in touch being still able to play."

Unlike the amateur game, where substitutions are limited, at the veterans' game, it is a rolling subs system, so you can make as many as you want, however, you are only allowed six people on the bench.

"It allows people to take a breather," said Jeff.

"There are some pretty damn good players and a few ex-pros playing."

Among these are John McDermott, who played for Grimsby for 20 seasons, and former Hull City stars Tim Hotte, Adam Lowthorpe, Andy Flounders and Justin Whittle.

Jeff said: "This league is for people who thought it was beyond them. It gives people the opportunity to continue playing football.

"Your brain says get into the tackle, even though your body says no.

"This is an opportunity to resurrect your football career."

The rise and rise of Hull's Veterans Football league

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Thieves smashed Landrover window to steal child booster seat in Princes Avenue, Hull

November 19, 2013, 6:45 am
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Two thieves tried to steal a child booster seat by smashing a window of a Landrover Discovery parked in Princes Avenue, west Hull. But they were caught in the act by a passer-by who chased them down the street. The Landrover's owner heard its alarm go off and returned to the car to find the booster seat on the pavement. Nothing else had been stolen. It happened on Sunday at about 5.50pm. Police would like to speak to two people who challenged the thieves, and any other witnesses. Call 101, quoting crime reference DT/2009902/13.

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Thieves smashed Landrover window to steal child booster seat in Princes Avenue, Hull

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Hessle Road in the 1950s: Walk The Walk, street bookies, The Bounder and three-day millionaires

November 19, 2013, 8:32 am
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John Mooney's first book, Walk The Walk, captures the energetic atmosphere of Hessle Road during the 1950s. Will Ramsey hears more. THE Bounder, as John Mooney remembers him, was known the length of Hessle Road. One of the "three-day millionaires" – the fishermen who docked with a wedge of money in their pockets – he was a frequenter of the bars and the bookies. "I call him a hard-bitten trawlerman and a hard-bitten drinker," said John, who has written Walk The Walk, a semi-fictionalised book about Hull in the 1950s. "He was a punter in the bookies and he'd spend his money in the pubs. They'd roll him back on the trawler for his next trip." John, 68, was a keen observer of life during his Hessle Road childhood. His dad, Wilf, was a street bookie in the years before gambling was legalised, eventually going on to run a series of bookies and clubs in the city. When John, a semi-retired racing journalist, decided to write his first book, it was his childhood – and the gamblers and bookmakers he grew up around – that he decided to look back on. "There are stories that are true but the names have been changed, and stories that are wholly made up," John said. "And then there are others that are somewhere in between." Walk The Walk is named after an annual walking race that would start in Hessle Road and attracted much in the way of betting. Stories of the stakes that were waged on it – recalled as being more than the "Aintree spectacular, the Derby and the FA Cup Final put together" – bookend the tales. And through looking at the people who made up everyday life – John's dad and other bookies have been fictionalised in a single character, Malloy – he has aimed to capture the energy of the time. "It isn't another good old Hessle Road yarn, as there are plenty of those around. It is about Hull," said John, who lives in Swanland. "It is about what a fantastic place it was in the 1950s. It was thriving because of the fishing industry, the railways and all these massive industries in the east of the city." John's dad, now 94, was the son of an Irish immigrant and part of the large Irish Catholic community that had arrived in Hull looking for work. Wilf worked on the fish docks before being injured the Second World War. "He was at Dunkirk and got out by the skin of his teeth," said John. "He was so badly injured he couldn't work physically again so, like so many others, he had to use his brain to get by." His dad and John's uncles worked as street bookies, a common sight across Britain before the legalisation brought about by the 1961 Betting and Gaming Act. "Every street had a bookmaker and they all had their pitch," said John. "Some were down back alleys, my dad used to be in a stable that housed the horse and cart from the greengrocers. "Guys would go and have a half crown round robin, the staple bet, trying to win a few quid for a night out. It was small stakes but it was a pastime and an enjoyable one for most." It was also largely tolerated. Even the occasional raids were co-ordinated. "The police used to take backhanders off the bookmakers," John said. "Everyone knew it went on. The policeman would let a bookmaker know he was going to raid him on a particular day and not have too much on him." It was in this entrepreneurial atmosphere that John's dad also earned extra money through buying items and selling them on. "It wasn't black market stuff, it was a way of earning a few quid," said John. "There would be hundreds of men doing the same thing, buying something cheap and flogging it for a little bit extra – whether it was chickens, dustbins or typewriters." Others who could not find work took other routes towards it. Despite the booming industries, some struggled to make a living. "There wasn't full employment," said John. "We had five per cent unemployment here, which was higher than anywhere else in the country. "There were three guys from Hull who hitchhiked to the Houses of Parliament to present a petition about the high level of unemployment. It was the three members of Parliament for Hull who paid their fares home, so they wouldn't have to hitchhike back." After gambling was legalised, John's family began running betting shops in Hull and venues including the West Hull Club. It was, he says, a close-knit community. "Once a year we'd all go to Withernsea – all of Hessle Road. You'd meet up with people you lived alongside back home," John said. "Very few people went elsewhere, as you could go on the train." John's fascination with the past has seen him toy with the idea of writing a historical novel, possibly on the theme of the Spanish Civil War or the Crusades. But it is echoes of his own history that have inspired him here. "One of the things I emphasise is how life really changed in the 1950s," he said. "It was how we all dressed like our parents and listened to the same music. Everything was an imitation until Elvis came along. "I was only ten or 11, but it was a phenomenal change. The idea of teenagers were born, for a start. I don't think there has been anything like it since."• Walk The Walk by John Mooney, published by Rossendale Books, £9.99, is available from Waterstones in Hull and on Amazon.

• More nostalgia from the Hull Daily Mail

Hessle Road in the 1950s: Walk The Walk, street bookies, The Bounder and three-day millionaires

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Missing Stephen Bailey from east Hull found

November 19, 2013, 9:21 am
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An east Hull man who has been missing for nearly five weeks has been found safe and well. Stephen Colin Bailey, 49, went missing from his east Hull home more than four weeks ago and there had been no word from him. But he contacted Humberside Police today to say he was okay and his family have been informed. Mr Bailey left his home in Tanfield Grove on Friday, October 18, with £200 but no phone, no bank cards and no medication for his type 2 diabetes. His disappearance came days after learning his grandson McKenzie, four, is suffering from a muscle-wasting disease that could leave him in a wheelchair. Mr Bailey's family made an emotional plea for his return on the front page of today's Mail. His daughter Vicky Magee had told us: "We want to know if he's all right. We just want him to come home and know that we all love him. If he has problems, we can all go through it together."

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Missing Stephen Bailey from east Hull found

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LIVE: Will Hull be named UK City of Culture 2017?

November 19, 2013, 9:32 am
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Hull will find out on Wednesday whether it has won the UK City of Culture 2017 title. Join us for live coverage of the announcement and extensive reaction from 7am. Our reporters and photographers will be with bid organisers as they hear the decision at Hull Truck Theatre. The announcement will be made at 7.45am. Hull is one of four candidates for the title, alongside Dundee, Leicester and Swansea Bay. Winning would unlock £12m in funding for cultural events during 2017, including 25 major festivals and spectacular opening and closing ceremonies. The team behind the bid told the Mail that, if successful, Hull would host "the biggest party it had ever seen", including a massive stadium party spectacular called Sonic Lumiere. Wednesday's announcement comes after a gruelling year of campaigning and lobbying. The Mail - which is one of the "Angels" backing the bid - was with organisers in Derry/Londonderry last week, when the final presentation was made to the judges. Luke Campbell is among Hull's great and good backing the bid. The Olympic champ said: "When the announcement is made, I want the country to be saying 'Hull, Yes!'"

LIVE: Will Hull be named UK City of Culture 2017?

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Hull wins UK City of Culture title: From Beautiful South star to shop workers - how we reacted

November 20, 2013, 1:36 am
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From celebrities, to shop workers and even a descendent of William Wilberforce, the news Hull has won the UK City of Culture 2017 title has sparked celebrations throughout the city and beyond. Reporters Sam Creighton and Lucy Leeson, and photographers Kate Woolhouse and Rob Stebbing found out how people are reacting. Former Beautiful South drummer Dave Stead says he is thrilled Hull's artistic community has been recognised by the UK City of Culture 2017 judges. "I think it's absolutely fantastic that Hull's got the City of Culture," said Dave, who runs the Union Mash Up venue in Princes Avenue. "It's great that people, not just in this city, but on the panel judging who was going to win, have recognized that the city has an array of musicians, poets, comedians, theatre, film-makers, and that's going to be recognized all over the country. It's fantastic for all of those people. "We've now got the feel-good factor, like when Hull City got into the Premiership. The City should be proud of itself."
As #HullYes trended worldwide on Twitter, celebrities congratulated the city. Comedian Sarah Millican said: "Congratulations to lovely Hull and all its smashing people". Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten, who is from the city, said: "I wouldn't be where I am today without Hull pride!" TV presenters Eamonn Holmes and Lorraine Kelly, Olympic champion Luke Campbell, Labour leader Ed Miliband and actor Reece Shearsmith, who grew up on Longhill, all added their congratulations. The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, tweeted: "Hooray! Hull City of Culture! Congrats! The Church's motto: 'Believing in Hull' was prophetic! God believes in Hull, churches believe in Hull." Sebastian Wilberforce, a direct descendant of William Wilberforce, the Hull MP who led the 19th century campaign for the abolition of slavery, contacted the Mail to congratulate the city. Mr Wilberforce, who lives in New Zealand, said: "I have many fond memories of the city and its byways from my time as a university student there several decades ago. Indeed one of my life's achievements has been to get a telephone box then off the Land of Green Ginger a Grade II listing. "Whether I get to Hull again in person is debatable since I now live on the other side of the world, but thankfully we live in the digital era – which has completely changed the experience of emigration and maintaining links with the old country." Mail reporter reporter Sam Creighton took to the streets of Hull city centre to find out how people were reacting to the news:
Thomas Coates, 26, a labourer, said: "It means a lot for the city that we have won it. Everyone thinks Hull is a mess don't they? But it really isn't, it's a good place to live. I'm really pleased we've won it, it's put us back on the map again. I will definitely take the kids to some of the events when they happen." Retired Maureen Morton, 67, said: "I wouldn't mind going to the theatre, there are shows I want to watch that I can't find on anywhere here, so hopefully this will bring things like that to the city, especially the opera."Kiaran Rea, 18, who is unemployed, said: "I think it's a good thing Hull has been named City of Culture. It will mean there are more jobs going around for us, I haven't got one so I might be able to get one through it. It will help boost the economy and change how people see Hull. I will go to the events, especially music and film."Dave Halford, 49, who works in business development at KC, said: "I'm not local but I've worked in Hull on and off for ten years and I've spent that time defending Hull. I think it's great news and well deserved. Hopefully, it will help bring more investment into the city which will create more jobs and make it a better place to be. It's great news I think." Student Georgia Deer, 17, said: "I think it's quite a good thing for the city because it will bring in new people and make it more well known, for something good for once, rather than the bad things people say about it at the moment."Kathryn Lynn, 30, a marketing executive at KC, said: "I think it's brilliant, it's a massive boost for the city and it's added to the things to be proud of in Hull, we already have a Premier League football team, leading digital companies working here, we've got 4CDI and now we've got the City of Culture, so it's all good. I think it will put us on the map a bit more, we're always on the news for bad things and now we have something to shout about. The roof came off of Hull this morning when we all found out. It's well deserved and the people involved in backing the bid have been and absolute credit to the city and should be proud." Shop worker Azeem Khan, 25, said: "It's a good think for Hull. I've lived in Birmigham, Doncaster and Wales as well, but Hull is the best one, I like Hull. The people here are the most cooperative, it's a good place. I don't have any problems with Hull at all. The extra money will help the city get even better now the City of Culture is coming here."Steve Chappell, 42, also a shop worker, said: "I'm not from Hull myself but if you speak to anybody about it, everybody says don't go here, it's not a good place to be, everyone puts it down. Since I've moved here though I've loved it, I think everyone is wonderful. I think it will make Hull even better but I think it's good at the moment, it's a good place to come already. I think it will stop people saying bad things about the place too. There's a nice atmosphere in Hull."Steve Whittington, 41, a church leader, said: "I had the radio on and the TV on to make sure I got all the coverage. It's a fantastic thing for the city, it lifts peoples expectation in the city and it releases the potential that's already here. I've been following the bid all the way through and I think Hull is the deserving winner. Out of all the cities, I think, in a lot of peoples' eyes, Hull had the lowest expectation of winning. But the people here rose up, especially on social media, and they believed that Hull could do it. I've been here for seven years now and I feel this is my city. The people of the city often find we are on the edge of the world but this will bring us into the centre of it. It will show the people of Hull that this can be an even better place for them and their family, for the UK and maybe even for Europe, providing more tourism and more reason for businesses to invest here." Shop worker Debbie Wardell, 50, said: "Let's hope it's good for businesses, fingers crossed it's good for the city. It was good for Liverpool, so let's hope it's good for us. We need something to show that we're not the bad end of the country. We can't be all bad, we have plenty of people coming to live here."

Hull wins UK City of Culture title: From Beautiful South star to shop workers - how we reacted

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Pedestrian hit by HGV on A614 at Carnaby

November 20, 2013, 1:57 am
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A man has suffered serious injuries after he was hit by an HGV in Carnaby, near Bridlington this morning. The man, believed to be in his 60s has been taken to Hull Royal Infirmary, following the crash on the A614, close to Butterfly Lane. Emergency services are at the scene. A stretch of the A614 between Carnaby and Bridlington is expected to be closed for some time. Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash which happened just after 7am this morning. Anyone with information should call them on 101, quoting log number 55.Updated 10am. More to follow.

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Pedestrian hit by HGV on A614 at Carnaby

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Beverley woman stole £63,000 from mum in care home suffering from Alzheimer's

November 20, 2013, 3:36 am
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A WOMAN fleeced her mum out of more than £60,000 as she lay in a care home suffering from Alzheimer's.

Jennifer Bailey, 59, abused her position of trust to spend £63,000 set aside for her mum Mabel Shaw's care at a residential home.

In a final callous act, she emptied the account on the day of her mum's death, taking the last £22,000.

Bailey attended Hull Crown Court to admit the offences and will be sentenced on Friday, November 29.

Detective Constable Krista Wood, who investigated the case, said: "Jennifer's last transaction was January 11, 2010, the day her mother passed away, and she withdrew £22,000, leaving nothing in her mother's bank account to even cover her funeral."

Bailey and her brother Nigel Shaw were given power of attorney over their mum's estate and they agreed Bailey would take care of the day-to-day finances when her mum was put into Keldgate Manor residential home in Beverley after suffering dementia.

But when the care home called Mr Shaw to say payment had not been received, he became suspicious.

Mr Shaw made enquiries and was dismayed to find out that his mother's money had indeed run out, although there should have been plenty left over from the sale of his mother's house a couple of years earlier.

A fraud investigation was launched in 2009 and was completed earlier this year. Over three years, Bailey went on spending sprees and holidays, using the money saved to pay for her mother's care.

Bailey, originally from Beverley but now living in Selby, pleaded guilty to spending £63,000 of her mother's money through theft and fraud by abuse of position.

Although Mrs Shaw died in January 2010, the police investigation continued.

DC Wood, of Beverley CID, said: "Production orders for several of Mrs Shaw's bank accounts and conveyancing files from the sale of her house took months to come through.

"Eventually, when all the files were ready, I went through all of the accounts with a fine-toothed comb and followed the money through various accounts in bits and bobs to see where it had gone.

"It transpired that the money had been spent over a period of several years by Jennifer, who was using it to fund her own lifestyle, shopping, days out, spending money for foreign holidays, and so on. This continued until the money was gone.

"The amounts added up to a total of £63,000 missing from Mrs Shaw's accounts, having been spent by her daughter Jennifer."

When Bailey was interviewed by the police, she refused to co-operate and the case eventually went to court.

DC Wood said: "Mr Shaw is overjoyed at this outcome, as all he ever wanted was to get to the truth.

"He is also out of pocket, having been defrauded out of his potential inheritance from his mother's estate, but this was not the primary driver in him making this report to the police.

"He had trusted Jennifer to take care of paying the nursing home for the care of their mother and she let his mother down."

Beverley woman stole £63,000 from mum in care home suffering from Alzheimer's

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Hull wins City of Culture: 'Sour grapes, Swansea?'

November 20, 2013, 5:25 am
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A VETERAN councillor has this lunchtime repelled a swipe at Hull by UK City of Culture 2017 losers Swansea. In an interview with BBC Radio Wales, Swansea council leader David Phillips said: "If you live in Hull, you've got to have something to look forward to I suppose." But Councillor Terry Geraghty, Hull City Council's portfolio holder for leisure, culture, events and sport, hit back. He told the Mail: "He is talking a load of rubbish. He's spitting his dummy out, just like a child would if you took away his sweets. It's childish." Cllr Geraghty resisted the temptation to take a pop back at Swansea, adding: "Swansea is a nice place to visit, just as Hull is. "It's clear this man is a bad loser. It's a case of sour grapes." Cllr Geraghty said the whole city should rejoice at being bestowed the title. "Being named City of Culture will give Hull a tremendous boost," he said. "I am a firm believer potential investors look at a city's cultural offering." Mr Phillips said he was "bitterly disappointed" with the outcome. He added: "There were too many good ideas in the bid, we're not going to let them slip through our fingers. "I don't think there was anything wrong with the bid. Clearly Hull's was stronger than ours." Hull also beat Leicester and Dundee to the title. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Maria Miller said: "This is brilliant news for Hull and everyone involved in the bid there."

Hull wins City of Culture: 'Sour grapes, Swansea?'

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Hull named UK City of Culture 2017

November 20, 2013, 5:38 am
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Hull has been named UK City Of Culture 2017. The announcement was made at 7.45am by Culture Minister Maria Miller. It brought an ecstatic reaction from bid supporters who had packed into Hull Truck Theatre. After a gruelling year of campaigning and lobbying, the theatre erupted into cheers and delighted cries of "yes!". People hugged one another and tears flowed freely as the reality sunk in that Hull had finally won. The build-up to the announcement was an incredibly tense affair as supporters nervously waited to hear if Hull had managed to overcome rival contenders Leicester, Dundee and Swansea Bay. The victory means the city will stage a £12m programme of arts and cultural events during 2017, including 25 major festivals and spectacular opening and closing ceremonies. The programme will include more than 1,500 individual events and 12 artists' residencies. Mrs Miller will now travel to Hull this afternoon to offer her congratulations to the city and hear about plans to transform it into the country's cultural hub in four years' time. Among the places she is due to visit are Hull Truck and the Fruit, at Hull Marina. She said: "It was really great to be able to announce that Hull is the winner of the City of Culture 2017. This is brilliant news for Hull and everyone involved in the bid. "This year's UK City of Culture, Derry-Londonderry, demonstrates the huge benefits that the title brings. These include encouraging economic growth, inspiring social change and bringing communities together. It can produce a wonderful mix of inward investment, and civic pride and I hope Hull's plans will make the most of all that being UK City of Culture can bring. Mrs Miller praised Hull's bid team. She said: "They have worked incredibly hard on this bid and they will now use the next three years to take that bid forward and get a broader range of organisations involved to bring this bid even more to life. I will take this opportunity to visit the very many cultural institutions that are in Hull and also talk to the supporting crowds."
Bid adviser Andrew Dixon said: "It's huge. Hull has won something really important. They've trusted in the people, trusted in the city. They've given us a chance to show Hull is a fantastic city. You will see fantastic events, international commissions, some of the world's best artists in the city. You'll see Hull on the international map." Mark Babych, artistic director at Hull Truck Theatre, said: "This bid doesn't just belong to a group of people who went to Derry, the video says it all, it belongs to everyone in the city. This just shows what happens when a whole city gets behind something." Hull City Council leader Steve Brady said: "It's the start of new attitudes in Hull, from government and from the national perspective. It means Hull has a real chance of providing good jobs and by the time we have finished in 2017 we will be a completely different city." Graham Chesters, a member of the bid team and the Freedom Festival Board, said: "It's fantastic but it's all work from now, one of the lessons from Derry is that you start now." Playwright and Hull College lecturer Dave Windass was "absolutely elated". He said: "It's what the city deserves, we've been waiting for it for so long, it's amazing to be part of it and I can't wait for 2017. Let's have it!"
Karen Okra, a member of the bid team which presented in Derry/Londonderry, said: "I feel sick after being nervous for so long. I just can't believe it, it's a relief. I've never, ever doubted Hull, it's people out there. We want the recognition and we've got it and we need it, I can't believe it." Screenwriter Phil Redmond, known for Brookside and Grange Hill, was one of the City of Culture judges. He said it was time for Hull to tell the world about what it had to offer. Mr Redmond said: "Hull's bid had the feel of Liverpool and Derry/Londonderry bids; it didn't shy away from things. They used phrases like they wanted the city to come out and shine, for people to discover the hidden gems it has to offer and reminding us of things like John Godber and Hull Truck Theatre. "There is lots and lots of things that the city has discovered and wanted to tell the world about." Hull FC owner Adam Pearson spoke of his pride in the city and said he hoped the club would play a key role in 2017 by helping place a focus on the area's rich sporting heritage. Mr Pearson said: "This is a superb reflection on the city, the people of Hull and the various influential organisations, businesses, groups and activities that make up our rich cultural framework. Sport is just one part of that in a city that deserves this level of recognition and will benefit hugely from the exposure that we will receive in the build up to 2017 and the year itself. "Hull is a city that is often knocked and regularly faces its critics, but once you have visited the city you soon see how vibrant, lively, creative and successful it is. I am immensely proud to be associated with the city and would like to congratulate all those who have played their part in securing the City of Culture status, not just recently through the bid, but over the last decade as the city has grown and developed." The Black and Whites are already planning their own programme of events to celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2015. Mr Pearson said: "The next four years are going to be tremendously exciting for us all. We have major celebrations planned for throughout 2015 for our 150th anniversary and to follow this with the City of Culture celebrations just two years later means we have plenty to look forward to and marquee events to showcase all that is good about the city of Hull." Andrew Penny, conductor of the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra since 1982, said: "Hull has been a city of culture for me for years and will now be recognised all over the world for it. Music is a language with no international boundaries and the city I was born in has a chance to show that now. "The Hull Phil is 130 years old and has been a major contributor to the cultural scene over that time. We were proud to have contributed to the bid with an enterprising and imaginative series of concerts for 2017 and can now start putting our plans in place alongside other promoters. Congratulations to the Bid Team and the Council for their vision in achieving this - it is up to us now."

• What can Hull expect in 2017? A guide to events

• From Beautiful South star to shop workers: How Hull reacted

Hull named UK City of Culture 2017

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Bungling burglar found stuck in window of Howden home

November 20, 2013, 6:01 am
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A hapless burglar ended up stuck in window after trying to break into a house in Howden.

The owner of the house went to the bathroom at 5.30am today and was surprised to see a man trapped in the bathroom window.

The man, 27, had apparently been stuck in the window for more than an hour and was actually asking the home owner to ring the police.

Unusually man, from Goole, admitted that he was attempting to break in to the house to steal.

Humberside Police arrived and arrested the man who is now in police custody answering questions.

Bungling burglar found stuck in window of Howden home

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What can Hull expect from City of Culture 2017? A guide to the events and benefits

November 20, 2013, 6:03 am
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As Hull celebrates winning the UK City of Culture 2017 title, Ian Midgley runs through the events and economic benefits we can look forward to in four years' time. The race to become City of Culture 2017 has become so all-consuming for Hull in recent months it's been easy to forget what winning actually means. Perhaps the journey had become a means to an end in itself. But now we've reached journey's end, maybe it's time to consider the glittering prize that awaits us. So what does winning UK City of Culture 2017 actually mean for Hull – a city so often derided and sneered at by those who've never actually been here? In terms of cold hard cash it means a lot. Victory means Hull will now welcome a £12m programme of more than 1,500 cultural events, shows, exhibitions, gigs, concerts, festivals, artist residences and outreach activities spanning the whole of 2017. That's four different events each and every day. It is estimated that winning will deliver a knock-on £60m economic boost to the city, creating jobs and tourism opportunities throughout the East Riding. And culturally, the sky's the limit too. The year will begin with a spectacular 'Four Rivers' opening ceremony which will see 3,000 lantern-bearing volunteers converging on the city centre, accompanied by dancing white telephone boxes, tributes to lost trawlermen and, believe it or not, elephants – tracing the route they used to walk when several of the plodding pachyderms used to live at Hull's old zoological gardens. The opening ceremony will be created by Tracey Seaward, who grew up in Hull and went on to produce major Hollywood blockbusters such as Steven Spielberg's Warhorse as well as the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony. Other major events planned for the year include "an aerial spectacular" set against the backdrop of the River Hull tidal barrier which will feature gravity defying aerial artistes, fireworks and dramatic special effects. Poet Philip's Larkin's legacy will be celebrated with a retrospective of his work at Hull University. An installation of a giant umbrella will double as stage at the University where performers and school children will stage a daily diet of poetry. The Larkin Lamp, a huge light, will also shine on the various buildings in Hull that inspired the former librarian's best known works.
You'd best get some sleep in now because there will barely time to catch 40 winks in 2017. There will be 25 major festivals staged during the year – building on the 18 the area already holds – with a city-wide Flag, Wind and Wave Festival and a Routes And Roots Food Festival among the newcomers. Acclaimed international artists will be visiting Hull throughout the year, as the city hosts 12 artists' residencies. Each residency will involve an iconic Hull location. One is even rumoured to want to use the Humber Bridge as a giant musical instrument. Well, it does look a bit like a harp. Hull will also use its City of Culture status as an opportunity to reach out to the world. As well as welcoming artists from its existing twin cities, Hull is forging new links with cities such as St Petersburg, Rotterdam and Johannesburg. The year will climax with a stadium-filling 'Sonic Lumiere' show which will be choreographed by the Hull-based , internationally acclaimed Durham Marenghi. His previous credits include lighting the London Olympics, The Queen's Golden Jubilee and Pink Floyd's The Wall. The finale will include 500 local dancers, illusionists, a new score by Hull band Fila Brazillia and a "world class superstar DJ". And if you want to know how hosting UK City of Culture has already improved the fortunes of one city, all you have to do is cast your eyes west to Londonderry, which is coming to the end of its reign as 2013 host. Shona McCarthy, chief executive of The Culture Company 2013, which is driving Derry's programme, said the title had helped transform her city – both economically and by rekindling a sense of civic pride. She said: "It has undoubtedly had massive economic benefits for us. We're expecting to double the number of visitors to the city this year. There was a 98 per cent occupancy rates in the local hotels in May and June and we're expecting a £5 return for every £1 spent. We are literally seeing the city transform before our eyes. "But more than that. City of Culture has given the people of Derry-Londonderry back a sense of ownership and of civic pride in their city. It can do the same for Hull."

What can Hull expect from City of Culture 2017? A guide to the events and benefits

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Hull City keeper Allan McGregor returns week early from injury to face Crystal Palace

November 20, 2013, 6:12 am
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ALLAN McGregor is in contention for a shock recall to lift Hull City ahead of their crucial Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Scotland international has been sidelined since the end of October with a thigh injury and was initially told he would face up to six weeks out of action.

That outlook had McGregor ruled out until December but heartening progress over the international break has seen the goalkeeper come bouncing back towards full fitness.

A final decision over McGregor's inclusion this weekend is unlikely to come until Friday and any fitness reservations would leave the door open for the dependable Steve Harper to continue in goal.

But McGregor appears certain to be in Steve Bruce's planning for a weekend date with strugglers Crystal Palace.

The City boss explained: "We're hopeful Allan can be ready. He's been able to train as normal, saving and taking crosses, but it's just his kicking that we're careful of.

"That's where the problem was to start with but he's been feeling a lot better with it.

"We'll be testing him towards the end of the week before we make a decision but he's certainly in our thoughts."

Harper's solid form during three Premier League games as deputy negates the need to rush McGregor this weekend, but the Scot's influence was felt during a run of eight consecutive starts to begin the campaign.

Signed from Turkish side Besiktas for £1.6m this summer, McGregor quickly justified his place as City's number one with three clean-sheets in eight Premier League games. Only when a long-standing thigh complaint flared up in the 2-1 defeat at Everton was his ever-present league record ended.

The injury has since been carefully managed and the reward could be a return to action two weeks earlier than first anticipated when news of his lay-off broke on October 24.

With influential winger Robbie Brady also expected to be welcomed back into the starting line-up to face Palace after his hernia troubles, and defender James Chester expected back in full training in the coming days, City's injury woes are beginning to clear ahead of a hectic finale to 2013.

Only Sone Aluko is now considered a long-term absentee, ruled out until February with an Achilles problem, but he could be joined in the short term by midfielder Stephen Quinn.

The 27-year-old suffered a hamstring strain while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland and returned to East Yorkshire for scans this week after not being considered for the opening two friendlies of Martin O'Neill's reign.

The injury is believed to be a recurrence of the one that ruled Quinn out of the opening weeks of the campaign and it appears highly unlikely he will rushed back to face Palace, especially given the availability of Brady, George Boyd and Robert Koren.

"I don't think Quinny will be available for the weekend," added Bruce.

"It's a bit of a concern to us but we'll not know more until we have a good look at it. I'm not sure he's recovered 100 per cent from the injury he picked up in Germany (in pre-season) so it's important that we get it right."

Hull City keeper Allan McGregor returns week early from injury to face Crystal Palace

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Hull City U-21's rue miss chances as Premier League Cup run ends at Blackburn Rovers

November 20, 2013, 6:40 am
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STEPHEN Clemence was left to rue a string of missed chances as his Hull City Hull Cityside bowed out of the Premier League Under-21s Cup with a 3-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers last night.

After Jordan Preston's opener was cancelled out by Aaron Mclean before the break in an entertaining contest, the Tigers' saviour turned sinner late on when missing two gilt-edged chances to win the tie.

With Danny Graham also spurning two chances of his own when clear on goal, it was Blackburn who stole the victory with two strikes inside the final two minutes through a Jordan Slew penalty and a cute finish from Hugo Fernandez Molina.

"I'm disappointed because it's a competition we wanted to do well in," said reserve team boss Clemence.

"We did well again but unfortunately we've missed too many good chances. They're all disappointed because they knew they were the better team but it's important not to feel down about it. They've been on a great run."

On the chances missed by Graham and Mclean, Clemence added: "I have to say Danny and Aaron worked ever so hard. I know what they can both do and on another night they could have left with a couple of goals apiece. Their work-rate was fantastic."

It might have been the Premier League's Under-21s Cup, but there was no shortage of experience in the City ranks. Making the most of the overage allowance, Eldin Jakupovic, Abdoulaye Faye, Graham and Mclean combined to bring over 1,500 appearances in senior football to the occasion.

The Tigers' strike-force always gave them an edge and as early as the 12th minute, Mclean and Graham had combined to craft a fine chance. After collecting a short pass from his partner, Graham slipped the ball into Matty Dixon on the overlap and only a smart low save from goalkeeper David Raya kept Blackburn level.

Instead, it was the home side that took the lead with their first meaningful attack. With Bradley Bauress exploiting space on the flank, his low cross was not dealt with and allowed Preston to convert unchallenged from six yards out.

City were sloppy with the ball before and after conceding but were behind for just four minutes. Blackburn's defence could not contain the lively Mclean inside the box and under pressure, the centre-forward rolled a neat finish past Raya to quickly restore parity.

Graham's involvement in the build-up drew appreciation from Clemence.

Rovers came close to restoring their lead early in the second half when Preston's flick went narrowly wide before City hit back with an excellent chance on the hour mark.

Dixon's turn and burst in centre field had Blackburn back-pedalling and when he released Graham, it needed a good low save from Raya to thwart the City striker.

Ten minutes later, Graham went close again. Mclean was alert to pounce on the hesitancy of Blackburn in midfield, playing in his strike partner inside the left channel. Graham opened up his body to shoot right-footed but the effort drifted inches past the opposite upright.

With extra-time looming, City kept knocking on the door, wasting two glorious chances to win it. Dixon's cross begged for a telling final touch but only found Mclean's downward wide of the target, while the same guilty party was denied by Raya's save when it appeared a certain goal.

It did not take long for the cost of Mclean's late misses to become apparent. Within a minute of his second miss, Blackburn attacked to win a penalty when Slew went down under the challenge of Matthew Fletcher.

The Blackburn striker dusted himself down and beat Jakupovic a minute from the end.

There was still time for Fernandez Molina to make it 3-1 with a superb chip and cap a disappointing night for a wasteful City.

Hull City U-21's rue miss chances as Premier League Cup run ends at Blackburn Rovers

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Hull KR coach Craig Sanderdock has 'four or five names' in frame for captain role

November 20, 2013, 6:44 am
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Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock has admitted he is yet to decide who his captain will be for 2014 after the departure of the influential Michael Dobson.

Speaking at the Fans' Forum event in the club's new North Stand facility, Sandercock said he is still weighing up his options.

Dobson was KR captain for the 2013 season after Ben Galea left the club, but was also the key player in everything the Robins did on the field.

"I've not yet decided on the captain for next year," Sandercock said.

"There are four or five players in my mind that could be a leader for this great club.

"It'll be after our training camp week in Tenerife where I will make my decision.

"In the New Year, I hope to have our new captain in place.

"We have had Michael Dobson as our captain last year, but now he has moved on. We will have to change our goal-kicker too, and there are a couple of options.

"It will be hard after Dobbo's departure, but we have Travis Burns and Craig Hall who can easily kick the goals for us."

Sandercock is confident that Burns, who broke his arm during the defeat at Widnes in September, will be fit for the start of the 2014 season-opener against Leeds.

"Travis has had to have a clean-out of his shoulder but I'm confident he'll be playing at the start of next year," Sandercock said.

"Everyone knows what Travis is like. You try to tell Travis he's not playing and you know what response you will get."

Having seen speculation throughout the off-season suggesting that Rhys Lovegrove would be off-loaded for pastures new, Sandercock dismissed it and was adamant the fans' favourite will remain.

"Rhys Lovegrove will definitely be staying at the club next year," he said.

"He has been training really hard with the boys.

"There were a few rumours behind the scenes about squad numbers and the rest of it, and that started a couple of months ago, but Rhys will be here next season and is looking forward to the season ahead."

Chief Executive Mike Smith confirmed plans are in place to develop Craven Park's South Stand.

"It's the next development we are looking at, but there is a lot of work to be done yet," he said.

"Things do not happen overnight, but what we plan to do is not to make a stand we are proud of, but a stadium we can be proud of."

One of the most hotly talked about subjects in recent weeks at Craven Park is the return of Ben Cockayne, who signed a two-year deal to rejoin the Red and Whites.

Chairman Neil Hudgell explained it was an 'easy and not so easy' decision to allow Cockayne to come back to KR.

"It wasn't an easy decision to make because of what has gone on before with Ben," Hudgell said.

"There was a lot of talk amongst the fans two to three weeks ago, and Craig sat down with Ben to see if it was the right decision for the club.

"But he is a different character now, and he is a lot more mature, with a very successful off-the-field business.

"His passion and commitment is something which we may have been missing over the last few years and Ben genuinely loves the club."

New recruit Jamie Langley soon impressed the attending fans, who revealed it took just a quick conversation over a coffee with Sandercock to convince him to join KR.

"Coming to Hull KR was a big decision for me, having been at Bradford for 13 years," Langley said.

"Craig had arranged a chat and a coffee with me and it was just about the time his wife was due to give birth, and we just got on from day one.

"I think I got on with Craig in that short meeting more than I had done with my coach in the last two years. I can't wait to get started and this club really impressed me with its recruitment and its rich history."

Hull KR coach Craig Sanderdock has 'four or five names' in frame for captain role

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Hull FC: Ben Crooks picks up challenge of kicking duties left by Danny Tickle

November 20, 2013, 6:44 am
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CENTRE Ben Crooks has put his hand up to take on kicking responsibilities for Hull FC next season.

Hull need a replacement for the departed Danny Tickle, with Crooks among the front runners alongside Joe Westerman, who deputised for Tickle last season.

New Hull coach Lee Radford recently addressed the issue and is yet to decide who will be given the responsibility.

Now Crooks has made clear he is up for the task should Radford pick him.

"I'm not sure what Radders wants to do yet as there's a few of us who can kick goals, but I'm happy to do it next season if I'm asked," said Crooks, whose father Lee was an accomplished kicker for Hull in his Boulevard days.

"I was a goal-kicker all the way through the amateur grades and I kicked for Hull's academy side too.

"It's only these last couple of years in the first team when I haven't been the kicker.

"I'll be getting the kicking tee out a lot in pre-season and staying behind to practice to make sure I'm ready if needed.

"I've been taught to kick goals from a young age by my dad and I'm confident in my ability. I'm not going to say it won't affect me if I miss a few because it affects everybody, but my dad always taught me not to panic.

"You get tempted to change your technique on the run or do something different, but you've just got to stick to what you've always done and have faith you'll come good."

Among the other kicking contenders is Richard Whiting, but Crooks is understood to be the favourite as he is expected to play the 80 minutes, unlike his back-row rivals.

Hull FC: Ben Crooks picks up challenge of kicking duties left by Danny Tickle

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New signing Jordan Thompson expects career boost from Hull FC 'hard-line' regime

November 20, 2013, 6:45 am
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JORDAN Thompson has praised the intensity of Hull FC's training and says it was exactly what he needed to further his career.

The 22-year-old is settling in smoothly at the Black and Whites after signing from Castleford Tigers on a two-year-deal.

But he described the recent army boot camp in Norfolk as tougher than he had expected.

"The camp was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, to be honest," Thompson told the Mail.

"I think it was a good thing for me and the likes of Chris Tuson, with us being the new boys, to settle in with our team-mates.

"We had to get straight into the middle of it and it helped us to get along with some of the lads that we didn't know.

"The training sessions are really broken down at Hull, whereas at Castleford, we interloped them all at once.

"At Cas, we used to have a meal then went straight into the weights, but here it's all broken down into a full day and very structured."

Able to cover every position in the back row, Thompson was spotted and signed by former Hull FC boss Peter Gentle during the middle of 2013.

But now he looks forward to impressing new coach Lee Radford in 2014.

"I think Lee, with him just coming out of playing, knows what he wants from us and he knows what needs to be done to kick everyone up the backside from the word go," Thompson said.

"Next year, I'm hoping my enthusiasm shows through. I needed this new challenge to kick on in my career, and I'm sure I'll get that at Hull.

"Radders hopes to play me in the second row and hopefully I'll be pushing through to get a regular starting place in the squad.

"We've still got the likes of Mickey Paea and Iafeta Paleaaesina to join us in the next few weeks.

"Those two players alone have got plenty of experience and I'm relishing them getting stuck into our pack."

The fixtures for 2014 were released on Monday, and Thompson said he has only had chance to see who FC line up against first – Catalan at home.

But it's his old Tigers side and the Hull derbies which he is looking forward to getting his claws into.

"A few of the boys have told me we face Castleford early on too, and to be honest, I can't wait to go back and play the Tigers," Thompson said.

"I've got a lot of love for the club and it was a hard decision to leave, but I'll be excited to get out there.

"Rugby league's one big family anyway and I've settled in really well.

"As soon as you know a few of the boys, you're laughing and joking and it's all the same banter everywhere you go.

"I know a few of my mates from back there will be trying to have a pop at me, but it will be fine. It's all in good fun.

"Castleford against Wakefield sounded big to me, but we're nowhere near 20,000 fans at those derbies.

"Knowing what goes on in the Hull FC and Hull KR matches, it's probably going to be the biggest battle of the season, and I just can't wait for the year to begin."

New signing Jordan Thompson expects career boost from Hull FC 'hard-line' regime

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Hull City paper talk, November 20: Gedo out, Graham and Faye back and Crystal Palace still in turmoil

November 20, 2013, 7:12 am
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Hull City striker Gedo scored the winner for Egypt in their World Cup clash with Ghana last night and thanked his country's 'fans and coaching staff' despite them missing out on the finals. The Egyptians needed a miracle after losing 6-1 in the away leg of their African section play-off match but the 2-1 win did restore some pride for the Pharaoh's despite them now having not qualified for the final stages since 1990. Meanwhile, the Black Cats gained their third successive ticket to the big time. Afterwards Gedo, onloan at the KC from Ahly, tweeted: "Thanks to the crowd that supported us until the final whistle. The Kumasi game decided the qualification." He then went on to praise coach Bob Bradley, saying "All respect to Bradley and his staff." The 55-year-old American coach, who was hired in November 2011, has now come to the end of his spell with Egypt, as his contract expires at the end of the qualifiers. Danny Graham made a welcome return to action last night as the Hull City U-21's bowed out of the Premier League Cup 3-1 at Blackburn Rovers. It was mixed fortunes for Graham as the striker – lacking match fitness and needing the game – showed all his class at holding the ball up and linking play – but failed to score. He lasted 78 minutes and cleverly laid on chances for both Matty Dixon and Aaron McLean. Assistant manager Steve Agnew was watching on and would have seen him twice miss chances that the confidence of a goal would lead to him putting them away. The wait goes on. Defender Abdoulaye Faye had the unique experience of being a 35-year-old appearing in an U-21 game! Faye had not played a competitive fixture since a run of three excellent games ended in the 2-1 loss at Everton and he knew, after this, he had been in a proper game and should now be back in boss Steve Bruce's plans for the visit of Crystal Palace. Rovers forwards Jordan Slew and Jordan Preson hage him a few headaches and at times exposed his lack of pace with the referee having a quiet word with him after one or two 'indicretions'. However, he kept the legs going and the 90 minutes will have done him no harm at all. Crystal Palace midfielder Jonny Williams completed 45 minutes for Crystal Palace's U21 side last night and could be in contention for the Hull City game. The Wales international has been out of action since damaging ankle ligaments in September in a World Cup qualifier against Croatia. He came through unscathed in yesterday's 4-3 win against QPR U21s, featuring in the opening half and witnessing a last-minute winner for the young Eagles. However, Palace winger Jerome Thomas could miss Saturday's trip through injury. The 30-year-old has injured his groin in training and will be assessed tomorrow. And the likes of Mile Jedinak, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Barry Bannan will also be given checks after flying back from international duty with their respective countries. Meanwhile, rumours have it that former Stoke City boss – still favourite to take up the vacant manager's post vacated by Ian Holloway – may be in place before the clash with the Tigers. These rumours were strengthened this afternoon when Dan Petrescu denied he is a candidate to become Crystal Palace manager and insisted he is happy at Dinamo Moscow. The former Chelsea defender had been strongly linked with the post at Selhurst Park. But Petrescu told Sovetsky Sport: "First, I want to say that I do not conduct negotiations with other clubs when I'm under contract. If they spoke to someone, it was only to my agent. "Secondly, I love England, I am pleased that the English clubs remember my name, and I would work there, but right now it's impossible. "The contract with Dinamo is for another year and a half and I'm happy here. I want to stay. Former Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni and, most surprisingly, former Palace boss Iain Dowie remain reported possibilities for the south Londoners, although Pulis has now emerged as the frontrunner. Pulis was installed as the early favourite when Holloway left the club on October 23 with the Eagles having taken just three points from their opening eight games. Palace have claimed just a single point more in the three games since with caretaker boss Keith Millen in charge and sit bottom of the league ahead of the clash at the KC Stadium on Saturday. Pulis guided Stoke to promotion to the Premier League in 2008 during his second spell in charge and engineered the club to five mid-table finishes as well as the FA Cup final in 2011 before departing by mutual consent last summer.

Hull City paper talk, November 20: Gedo out, Graham and Faye back and Crystal Palace still in turmoil

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Hull City owner Assem Allam will refund season ticket holders if they don't like Hull Tigers name change

November 20, 2013, 7:17 am
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Hull City owner Assem Allam will not ballot season ticket holders about his proposed name change to Hull Tigers – but he has offered to refund their money if they are against the move.

The Tigers owner and chairman again reiterated last week his intention to push ahead with re-branding the club in time for next season.

He says dropping 'City' will give the club a greater global presence, particularly in Far East markets, and help to attract significant new funding streams.

Campaign group 'City Till We Die' appealed to Allam earlier this week to canvas the opinion of season ticket holders for their views, before deciding to end a 109-year existence as Hull City Association Football Club.

But the 74-year-old says the size of the crowds at the KC Stadium are the only indicator he needs to take into account, starting with this Saturday's home game against Crystal Palace.

He told the Mail: "There's no need for a referendum. The crowd we get inside the stadium is the perfect referendum.

"Fans can choose to vote with their feet. If they are not happy, they can stay away.

"I am also willing to refund any unhappy season ticket holder who wants their money back.

"I understand that fans have purchased or may have purchased season tickets in the expectation they were for Hull City AFC. Having learned the AFC is now not present, they are perfectly entitled to seek a refund.

"The club will be more than happy to oblige by paying them back in full, on a pro rata basis, if they are not happy with the plans to rebrand the club."

Allam says he will brief staff at the club's ticket office to adhere to any requests immediately, having again reiterated his desire to push ahead with the plans.

To do that, he needs to inform the Football Association about the name change before April 1 to be considered for adoption the following year. The move must then be approved by the governing body's council under rule 3L.

Hull City owner Assem Allam will refund season ticket holders if they don't like Hull Tigers name change

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