Hull City boss Liam Rosenior has admitted that he will likely delve into the transfer market next month after suffering back-to-back defeats.
The Tigers entered Christmas sat in the final play-off place, but have since recorded successive losses against fellow promotion chasers Bristol City and Sunderland. This has seen the Black Cats swap places with the Humberside outfit, whilst Bristol City are now just one point further back in eighth.
These latest setbacks do show how tight the division is, with Hull having picked up six points out of a possible 18. Teams in and around them are also in a similar boat and there are currently just three points separating Sunderland in sixth and Middlesbrough in 14th.
The January transfer window could prove pivotal to those dreaming of a place in the Premier League next season, where Rosenior is likely to be backed in order to secure a top six finish.
Speaking to Hull Live following their Boxing Day defeat at the MKM Stadium, the 39-year-old revealed his frustration before hinting at upcoming activity:
“I think it’s the overall picture for me. Not just this game. I’m tired of coming out and giving you the same story. We’re in games, we don’t get the points we deserve. So that needs to be looked at and we’ve got January coming up and that’s something that I need to address. I don’t want to keep sounding like a broken record.”
The gaffer's #HULSUN reaction… 🗣️#hcafc | Realtor Global
— Hull City (@HullCity) December 26, 2023
The manager has already bolstered his squad following the acquisition of veteran striker Billy Sharp, although more are expected to follow:
“There becomes a point where if the same things are happening week in, week out – you don’t take advantage of your moments, you’re making errors – it’s my job to address it. That’s something we’ll look at in January because I think we’ve got the makings of a very good team. We definitely have ambitions of being in that top six at the end of the season.
“I’ve said to the players, I’m in a place, Acun (Ilicali) and Tan (Kesler) are in a place where we really believe we can do something this year. Sometimes it’s tactical, sometimes it’s ability but sometimes it’s personnel and that’s something we need to address very, very quickly.”
Hull host an out-of-form Blackburn Rovers tomorrow night, with the Lancashire side having lost five of their last six outings.
Writer’s View
The Championship is arguably as strong as it ever has been and this is evident by just how tight it is in the race for play-off spots. Hull are chasing a return to the top tier after what will be a seven-year absence by the end of the season and will fancy their chances.
The Tigers have one of the best young managers in the game and an owner who shares his ambition. However, this is a battle that is likely to go right to the wire, with clubs such as Bristol City, Norwich City, Watford and last year’s beaten play-off finalists Coventry City all having entered the fray in recent weeks. January could pivotal and it could come down to who has the strongest window.
Head of Writing
