Our daily blog with the latest news, transfer rumours and gossip about Hull City in the Premier League.Like HDM Sport on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.HATEM Ben Arfa has penned an open letter to Newcastle supporters amid reports he's played his last game for the Magpies following his season-long loan move to Hull City.
Writing in the Chronicle, Ben Arfa thanked Toon supporters for their support during his time in the North East, but wants a fresh challenge under Steve Bruce after falling out of favour with Newcastle boss Alan Pardew.
Ben Arfa wrote: "To the Toon Army I want to pass on my thanks to all the fans that supported me during my time at the club and living in a city that will be forever in my heart.
"Thank you also to everyone at NUFC and to Hull for making this loan happen.
"I wish Newcastle the best of luck. I hope they have a good season.
"I can't wait to launch my career again with Hull and Steve Bruce. I thank him for the trust he has shown in me bringing me to this club.
"Howay the lads."
The national papers have also picked up on the story, with The Daily Telegraph saying: "Newcastle's willingness to let Ben Arfa join Hull City just hours before the deadline has re-opened an old wound, particularly as Telegraph Sport has been told there is no recall option, which effectively means the 27-year-old has played his last game for Newcastle.
"There is no doubt Pardew has forced the France international to leave as he no longer has a working relationship with a player who has fallen out with managers throughout his career.
"With just one year left on his Newcastle contract, Ben Arfa will remain at Hull until that deal has expired, even if there is a change of manager at St James' Park, and could even sign for the Tigers on a permanent basis."
Meanwhile, the Daily Star say the signing could upset both sides of the spectrum, but Steve Bruce's reputation could soar if Ben Arfa succeeds.
"Now it's Bruce's turn to deal with a player whose stays at Lyon, Marseille or Newcastle were never long enough to notch up a century of games," Ian Murtagh wrote.
He continued: "If he can, Bruce's reputation will soar and Pardew's popularity will hit an all-time low with Toon fans.
"But if he discovers Ben Arfa is more trouble than he's worth, ex-Sunderland boss Bruce will find he has more in common with Pardew than he thought."
And finally The Guardian also say: "Dubbed a 'genius' by Gerard Houllier, his former coach at Lyon, this unfulfilled talent requires subtle handling but Bruce has always regarded man-management as his strong suit.
"While it is hoped the ability of Hull's Egyptian owners to speak to Ben Arfa – whose parents are Tunisian – in Arabic will further help him settle into a side suddenly packed with pace, power and creativity."Diame departure good for West Ham – Cottee
FORMER West Ham stalwart Tony Cottee believes Momo Diame's signing for Hull City could be both a good move for the player and the Hammers.
The former striker wrote in his london24.com blog that Diame's performances have been affected recently, but a move to East Yorkshire can revitalise the player.
West Ham visit the KC Stadium on September 15 following the international break, and Diame could face his former side in his Tigers debut.
"I think the departure of Mo Diame was an inevitable one and a good thing for both him and the club," Cottee wrote.
"When he first came he looked a big, strong, swashbuckling midfielder, but it was clear that last season his head was turned by thoughts of going somewhere else and his performances were affected because of it.
"Sam brought in Cheikhou Kouyate earlier in the summer who is a similar style of player and as soon as he settled in, it became clear that Diame was not going to be part of the plan.
"It is not Man City or Arsenal he has gone to, but Hull City, though you have to say that have splashed the cash in this window and it will be a tough task to go there in a couple of weeks' time."Brady unfazed by Euro Qualifiers
CITY winger Robbie Brady insists the Republic of Ireland will not be fazed by the prospect of launching their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in the white heat of Tbilisi.
Martin O'Neill's side are assured a hostile welcome when they head for Georgia on Sunday with an already hugely partisan crowd, not having forgotten Ireland's reluctance to play a World Cup qualifier in the same city in September 2008 amid political unrest in the region.
The fixture took place instead in Mainz, Germany, where the Republic ran out 2-1 winners in then-manager Giovanni Trapattoni's first competitive fixture, but Brady and his team-mates know the same result will be easier said than done.
He told the Belfast Telegraph: "I'm looking forward to it. I believe it's a rough place to go, but I don't think the lads will be affected by it. I think most of them are looking forward to it.
"Most of them would rather play in front of a crowd like that.
"We won't be going there for a draw at the weekend. I think it's one we'll look to win, hopefully get a few goals and set us up for the group.
"It will be a good game. It's a long way away, but I'm sure all of the lads are looking forward to it. It's been a big gap and we're all raring to go."It's a toughy – vote for your Tigers starting 11
AND finally, after a brilliant deadline day with four new signings, Steve Bruce has the tough task on his hands as to who to pick in his starting 11 from now on.
But now, we're giving you the power to choose yours.
Vote in the Mail's online poll here and cast your votes today.
