Hull City have been, and continue to be the main surprise story of the Championship season.
Aside from a strong implementation of Sergej Jakirovic’s tactical philosophy at the MKM Stadium and two hugely successful transfer windows under well-documented EFL restrictions, the vast improvement of pre-existing squad members is, unarguably, the strongest facet behind City’s promotion bid.
As such, it was rather surprising, but also not, in a way, to see the mixed reception which Lewie Coyle received on social media last week after the club captain was rewarded with a fresh contract until the summer of 2029.
Is the length of said contract a cause for debate? Yes and no. Some would argue that extending a 30-year-old’s contract until a point where they will be pushing 34 is a bit much, but given his and Acun Ilicali’s desire to see the defender finish his career at the MKM Stadium, it’s no surprise whatsoever.
Now, as was the case in the summer of 2023, the Tigers have to push forward in negotiations with Regan Slater, who’s consistency has warranted a new deal for some time.
Similarly to the aforementioned Coyle, the 26-year-old proved to be a divisive figure last season under Tim Walter and Ruben Selles, but has rediscovered his consistency and energy in the middle of the park that has certainly complimented the attributes which the likes of Amir Hadziahmetovic and Matt Crooks bring to the table – of which the latter’s have certainly been missed in the past three games through injury.
Four goal contributions in 31 games in a side that have only scored one outside-the-box goal all term – ironically through the £50k ace against Swansea City – is no bad feat, and whilst his duel success rate is perhaps lower than it feels, it is no surprise that Slater is averaging extremely impressive underlying numbers when it comes to the number of recovery tackles and the amount of times he is beaten in a one-on-one with by an opposing midfielder or attacker per 90 minutes.
After talk had emerged last April, it has since been claimed that his boyhood club, Sheffield United, have targeted a potential move for the currently out-of-contract Slater.
This, again, is no real surprise. He, of course, came through the ranks at Bramall Lane, has made his love for the Blades well-known, and is no stranger to Chris Wilder after the 58-year-old gave him his professional breakthrough many moons ago.
City and Sheffield United could still be a division apart next season if the Tigers are to rekindle their previous performance levels and return to the Premier League, and it would be a true sign of the club’s progress in recent times if Slater was to earn the chance of playing at the highest level.
Regardless, there is no doubt in my mind, and that of many others – including Jakirovic -that the box-to-box machine should have his contract extended no matter what.
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