CAMPBELL SWOOP
The news at the forefront of City fans' minds this week has been the potential signing of Fraizer Campbell. We all love him, he loved his time here, Fergie doesn't want him, we've agreed a fee, simple right? Well, according to the Hull Daily Mail, yes. As recently as Thursday morning (and every other day this week) they inform us it's a done deal, while Burnsy and co tell us nothing will happen until after the U21s European Championship. Fraizer's dad, who has clearly cottoned on to the nice little earner that comes as being a footballer's 'adviser', told Radio Humberside they had not even been approached with a contract.
CAMPBELL COUP
The Yorkshire Post claims that Stoke, Fulham, Wigan and Sunderland all in the hunt for our Fraz. We saw him first.
THE CHINESE WAY
The other major news is the confirmation that City will appear in the 'Asia Trophy', the Premier League's bi-annual pilgrimage to the far east in another attempt to eek as much money as possible from the rest of the world. Cue pictures of real life tigers being paraded around Tiananmen Square. Maybe.
That trip looks like a real test of City's away support. Surely anyone who spends the best part of a grand to watch two friendlies deserves an Away Direct membership for next season?
tigristigris: Simon Gray's coach has set off already. They are on a slow boat.
And kudos to the first Tigers fan to repeat John Trewick's legendary comment at the Great Wall of China. A documentary team were following West Brom on a tour of the far-east, and when asked what he thought about the incredible creation, the midfielder simply shrugged and said, "When you've seen one wall you've seen them all."
IF YOU DON'T BUILD IT THEY WILL MOAN
Talk has resurfaced of expanding The Circle to a 40,000 capacity stadium in order to be part of England's World Cup hosting bid. Hull City Council won't be putting up the money for it, though. Don't the council know what local people want? Meanwhile, the British Nationalist Party picked up a seat in Yorkshire and Humber in the European elections.
FEELING HOT
City will be heading to Bormio in Italy again for pre-season warm weather training. Phil Brown is currently on holiday doing some warm weather training of his own in a solarium on the sun.
MORE BROWN STUFF
Phil Brown claimed he would continue with his brash manner, despite the criticism he received. Good on him. City achieved great things at the start of the season by being aggressive and cocksure, traits copied straight from the boss. Funny how a breath of fresh air can turn into an irritating pong to the national media after a couple of stinker performances.
WHAT MAKES HIM CLASS?
Former City midfielder Theodore Whitmore has been appointed John Barnes' successor as Jamaica manager. Barnes is expected to take over at Tranmere, where Ian Goodison is still a first team player.
Among Whitmore's tasks as coach will be teaching national team striker Marlon King a better first touch.
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| The inspiration behind 43-year-old Garry Parker's inclusion in the Masters squad? |
PAST MASTERS
City make their long awaited debut in the Masters tournament next month and 7 of the 9-man ex-Tigers squad have been announced. Steve Wilson's calling in life, 5-a-side football, will see Bransholme's Number 1 keep goal. "Jenks' Shuffle" could be seen for the last ever time if Leigh Jenkinson comes up against Doncaster's Gary Brabin. Putting the frighteners out for City will be John Eyre.
Thepamplesnake: Is Gary Alexander going to play - I heard he intended to pull out, but it was too late...?
FISH@BARREL.NUFC.CO.UK
Newcastle United became even easier to ridicule this week when they advertised on their official website an email address to place bids for ownership of the club. The dubiously named "Profitable Group" from Singapore are supposedly holding more serious talks with the owner.Ghurkin: Should the English FA buy Newcastle? They could then buy all the world's best foreign players, train them ragged, make sure they never get decent match experience and therefore making their national teams weaker, thus helping England win the World Cup. I reckon it's cost effective.
NEXT WEEK...
The Hull Daily Mail's pre-empting of Fraizer Campbell's signing works at the 6th attempt, although a last-minute change of heart by Sir Alex Ferguson almost scuppers the £6m deal. United accept the renegotiated deal of £5m+Manucho. Campbell suffers cruciate ligament damage after coming off the bench for England U21s, prompting Phil Brown to bring Leigh Jenkinson out of retirement.
"Hull City Mad" written by Andy Beill and Tom Collins.Feedback, comments, ideas, suggestions for message board post inclusions, captions and anything else to:
andy@hullcityonline.com tom.collins@hullcityonline.com
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