After what has been one of the most remarkable seasons in City’s history, now is the chance for Sergej Jakirovic’s team, or any given individual, to step up as new heroes.
It was fitting that David Bowie’s 1977 number blasted out on the PA system as the team were serenaded by the North Stand after Saturday’s comeback for the ages, with the lyrics certainly having the potential to ring true.
For the third time in 18 years, the Tigers enter the post-season lottery of the Championship play-offs, and yet again, in a completely unique set of circumstances.
Again, not many expected the club to be in the play-offs in 2008 and 2016, albeit for extremely differing reasons, with the latter squad more than capable of achieving automatic promotion in the first place.
However, what isn’t different is that all associated with both Wembley triumphs are now well and truly woven into the very fabric of Hull City AFC, and as well as the life-changing prize that lies ahead of many of Jakirovic’s team, that should also serve as added motivation – particularly the long-serving duo of Lewie Coyle and Regan Slater.
As has been the case from the get-go versus Coventry City on August 9th, the Bosnian’s team of workhorses have batted away so many instances of adversity or criticism to reach this point, and even after finishing in sixth – somewhat scraping into said position – those sceptics haven’t gone away either.
Naturally, the third-placed side, in this instance, Millwall – who have also enjoyed a remarkable season and hats off to them – are being made the favourites, although the narrative of City potentially being ‘steamrolled’ is one which I struggle to get behind, especially with the Lions being the lowest-scoring team in the play-offs, despite putting three past the Tigers at the MKM and their obvious threats – Ivanovic, Coburn, Azeez, etc…
Of course, history in terms of the recent sixth-placed finishers doesn’t go in favour of City either, but this team, as previously mentioned, aren’t one to take notice of statistics, having ended away day ‘hoodoos’ at grounds such as Carrow Road, winning five away in a row for the first time since 1966 and being the first team to defeat Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s in a league match under Chris Davies.
A word on the atmosphere – no doubt Friday evening will be an occasion to savour, if Saturday was anything to go by.
It was hard to remember the last time the MKM (KC, KCOM) felt as good as the final half-hour versus Norwich, and with Millwall supporters known for their own passion and desire, it will only add to such noise both in HU3 and South London, which is enough to send goosebumps through anyone associated with the two sides.
In terms of predicting the outcome, this is where I find myself toying between ‘head’ and ‘heart’ naturally, but based on the pattern of the two regular-season fixtures, it makes it even harder.
Those of a Millwall persuasion appear to already be aggrieved that Gavin Ward, who dismissed Azeez in December, is, somewhat ironically, the man in the middle at the MKM for starters, while City fans only need to hear the words ‘Millwall’ and ‘home fixture’ to be reminded of a controversial disallowed goal at 1-1 back on March 7th.
It may come as little surprise that, after all this, the prospect of the tie being decided extremely late on at The Den on Monday, be it in normal time, extra-time and possibly penalties is the scenario that has been looping in my head when giving a prediction any thought.
After all, it would be the most typical of Hull City ways to reach Wembley after last weekend’s own slice of drama.
Regardless, this team are already cult figures in the eyes of many, but now is the time for new HEROES.
hcafcHub 