Monday, December 16, 2024

Analysis: Tigers turn to Selles after impressive Reading stint

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[Rex Features]

This will be largely viewed as a positive and progressive appointment by Hull City, who need something to lift them from the despair of being in the bottom three and the stench of the failed Tim Walter experiment.

Selles was touted by a number of pundits and fans as the obvious choice given the impressive job he’s done at Reading under increasingly challenging circumstances, and he should walk away from the Berkshire club with his head held high, even if he knows he’s leaving the Royals still in a potentially perilous predicament off the field.

Thankfully, that’s not the situation he’s coming into with the Tigers but he still needs to make a relatively swift impact with a side whose winless run hit double figures in the post-Walter loss at Middlesbrough.

Although there were at least encouraging signs in that game that the players appeared to be playing with a little more freedom and a greater degree of confidence and positivity.

That was aided in no small part by interim boss Andy Dawson, who once again has shown a level of class and composure, a true calming influence, that has earned him respect from those he works with directly as well as fans and others around the club.

As for Selles, known for being supportive of his players, whilst giving them the freedom to express themselves, it will be music to the ears of regular City followers that, based on past interviews he’s given, there is always a ‘plan B’.

The “football philosophy” they frustratingly and repeatedly heard so much about under Tim Walter, and some might argue even the German’s predecessor Liam Rosenior, will seemingly not be allowed to get in the way of reacting to changing situations in a game when things aren’t going the way you’d want.

Selles will watch on from the stands as Dawson takes charge of the team at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday before the new boss steps in ahead of Wednesday’s game with Watford at the MKM Stadium.

That might give him some idea of the task at hand and, with January around the corner, he’ll know the likelihood of reinforcements can help to shape his squad for what could be a pivotal second half of the season.

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