Hull City V Sheffield United

Saturday 04 October 2025,
MKM Stadium, 12:30

THE LINE-UP
HULL CITY V SHEFFIELD UNITED, SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 2025
4
Sergej Jakirović
8
Sheffield United
12
John Lundstram
19
Classic Clash
23
On This Day
26
Double Agents
31
Tiger Cubs
37
In The Community
38
Golden Boot
45
Academy
50
Callum Yam
54
Oli McBurnie
MKM Stadium,
West Park,
Hull,
HU3 6HU
Registered No. 473757
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Main Switchboard: 01482 504600
Sales Centre: 01482 505600
Tiger Leisure: 01482 509600
Commercial Dept:
commercial@wearehullcity.co.uk
Web: www.wearehullcity.co.uk
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @Hull City
Instagram: @hullcity
Facebook: Hull City
YouTube: Hull City
TikTok: @hullcity
CLUB DIRECTORY:
Chairman: Acun Ilıcalı
FIRST-TEAM MANAGEMENT:
Head Coach: Sergej Jakirović
Assistant Head Coach: Marko Salatović
Assistant Head Coach: Dean Holden
Head of Player Development: Andy Dawson
Goalkeeping Coach: Erbil Bozkurt
THE TIGER:
Editor: Joe Brown
Contributors: Dan Briggs, Devon Cash,
Ryan Day, Oliver Harsley and Ronnie
Langhorne.
Thanks to: OnCloudSeven1, Tiger_base,
TigerProgrammes
Produced by Ignition Sports Media
www.ignitionsportsmedia.com
Front Cover: Natalie Cartledge
Printed by Stephens & George
All editorial in this programme is the copyright of the Club and shall not be
reproduced without permission. The views of the individual contributors do not
necessarily reflect those of the Club.

HEAD COACH
SERGEJ
JAKIROVIĆ
A warm welcome to all our supporters for our Sky Bet
Championship match against Sheffield United.
The players showed a great reaction and
fighting spirit in the second half against Preston
North End to earn a point after a difficult start
to the game.
Two mistakes were punished with two goals
inside the first 10 minutes, which knocked
our confidence, especially on the ball, and we
struggled throughout the first half. At halftime,
we tried everything we could to turn the
game around. The three substitutes brought
more energy to our performance, and we were
delighted to welcome back Liam Millar after a
long injury. We have been careful not to rush Liam,
but he has looked sharp in training and is always
a threat to the opposition.
We knew a goal early in the second half would lift
everyone – and we got one through Oli McBurnie
from a Ryan Giles cross. The boys kept believing
and the same players combined again for our
equaliser. Ryan is a real asset in the attacking
phase and Oli is dangerous in the box; they are
linking up well and contributing a lot of assists
and goals.
At 2-2, both sides had chances to win the game,
and their goalkeeper made a brilliant save from
an unbelievable effort by John Lundstram. In
the end, we have to be satisfied with a point.
Defensively, we need to cut out the cheap goals,
but we are showing we are capable of good
attacking football.
A warm welcome to Sheffield United manager
Chris Wilder, his staff, players and their
supporters to today’s game. They have had a
challenging start to the season, but Chris is a
highly experienced manager and their squad is
full of proven Championship players.
The second half against Preston is how we must
play every time – with character, energy and a
refusal to surrender. The crowd respond to that
type of performance, and this is the version of
the team we want to see every time we step onto
the pitch.
Up the Tigers!
…We were delighted
to welcome back
Liam Millar after
a long injury.
SERGEJ JAKIROVIĆ IS PROUDLY
SPONSORED BY:
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SHEFFIELD UNITED
THE VISITORS
2025/26 SEASON SUMMARY:
After finishing in third place and going on to
suffer a 2-1 Sky Bet Championship play-off final
defeat at the hands of Sunderland at Wembley
in the previous campaign, Sheffield United are
currently at the bottom of the league table with
a tally of three points this season so far.
Chris Wilder’s team picked up their first league
victory in their most recent away game, defeating
Oxford United 1-0 thanks to Callum O’Hare’s 65th
minute effort, but suffered a 2-1 home defeat last
time out against Southampton.
Beginning the 2025/26 season under ex-City
boss Rubén Sellés, United lost their opening game
4-1 at home to Bristol City. The Blades went on to
suffer three more successive losses throughout
the rest of August at the hands of Swansea City,
Millwall and Middlesbrough, as well as exiting the
first round of the EFL Cup at fellow Championship
club Birmingham City.
They succumbed to two more league defeats
in their first couple of September fixtures. This
saw them lose out 5-0 at Ipswich Town and then
be on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline against
Charlton Athletic at Bramall Lane.
8

THE BOSS:
Chris Wilder
Brought back to Bramall Lane in September 2025, Chris Wilder
returned to manage his boyhood club for a third spell. He’s taken
charge of a combined total of 308 games across his stints thus far
which have included 141 wins, 60 draws and 107 defeats.
Wilder has been managing clubs for just shy of 25 years and he’s
previously undertaken roles with Halifax Town, Oxford United,
Northampton Town, Middlesbrough and Watford. He originally began his
managerial career at Alfreton Town in October 2001 where he won four
trophies with them which included the NCEL Premier Division title and
the Derbyshire Senior Cup.
2025 SUMMER
Transfer Window:
Seeing eight players leave Bramall Lane, including the sales of
Vinicius Souza and Anel Ahmedhodžić, the Blades completed 14
signings in the recent transfer window.
FACT
FILE
Name:
Sheffield United
Football Club
Formed:
1889
Nickname:
The Blades
Stadium:
Bramall Lane
Capacity:
32,050
LEFT: MARK
MCGUINNESS
DEFENDER
Nils Zatterström, Djibril Soumaré, Ehije Ukaki, Mihail Polendakov,
Danny Ings, Ben Mee, Japhet Tanganga and Alex Matos were acquired
on permanent deals from Malmö, Braga, Botev Plovdiv, Septemvri
Sofia, West Ham United, Brentford, Millwall and Chelsea respectively
while Mark McGuinness and Tahith Chong both made their moves
from Luton Town.
Chiedozie Ogbene, Ben Godfrey and Tyler Bindon arrived on loan
from Ipswich Town, Atalanta and Nottingham Forest, while ex-Tiger
Louie Barry joined on loan from Aston Villa. The winger featured just
four times for City in 2025 before suffering a season-ending knee
injury in the 1-0 victory away at Sunderland in February 2025.
9

Goalkeepers:
The Blades’ goalkeeping department is made
up of Michael Cooper, Adam Davies and Luke
Faxon. Cooper has been utilised in every league
match so far this season and possesses a tally
of one clean sheet. Meanwhile, Davies has made
one appearance in the Carabao Cup.
Bought from Plymouth Argyle in August 2024,
Cooper recorded 21 clean sheets in 44 league
games for the Blades last season and earned
himself the club’s Player of the Year award.
He made his senior debut for Argyle aged 18
in October 2017 and went on to amass 161
appearances during his time at Home Park.
Davies has made 17 appearances in his Blades
career thus far since his move from Stoke City in
January 2022. He counts Sheffield Wednesday
and Barnsley as his other previous clubs and
racked up 209 appearances during his five-year
stint at the latter. Internationally, he’s represented
Wales on five occasions.
Defenders:
SHEFFIELD UNITED
MEET THE SQUAD
The defensive options within the Blades squad
include Harrison Burrows, Femi Seriki, Japhet
Tanganga, Ben Godfrey, Tyler Bindon, Sam
McCallum, Mark McGuinness, Ben Mee, Nils
Zätterström, Sam Curtis, Dovydas Sasnauskas,
Mihail Polendakov and Jamie Shackleton.
Burrows, Seriki, Tanganga, Godfrey, Bindon,
McCallum, McGuinness and Mee have all
featured in the league thus far.
Burrows enjoyed a very successful debut
campaign at Bramall Lane after moving from
Peterborough United in July 2024. This saw
him record six goals and six assists in 46
appearances across both the regular league
season and subsequent play-off action. Whilst
at Peterborough, Burrows amassed exactly 185
appearances for them and scored 20 goals.
Signed from Millwall, Tanganga contributed
four goals in 64 appearances at the Den. He
previously progressed through the ranks of the
GUS HAMER
Tottenham Hotspur academy and made 50
senior appearances for them. Tanganga has been
capped by England in six age groups.
Midfielders:
The Blades can potentially utilise Gus Hamer,
Callum O’Hare, Sydie Peck, Andre Brooks,
Djibril Soumaré, Tahith Chong, Alex Matos, Tom
Davies, Ehije Ukaki, Owen Hampson and Oliver
Arblaster within their midfield. Apart from the
latter three, they’ve all got league minutes to
their names. O’Hare has registered a tally of one
league goal and one assist.
Brought to Bramall Lane from Coventry City
in August 2023, Hamer has made a significant
contribution within the Blades midfield ranks. He’s
produced 16 goals in 93 appearances throughout
10

his time with the club thus far and was named as
the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season
for the 2024/25 campaign. Hamer clocked up
132 appearances and 19 goals at Coventry and
originally started his career in the Netherlands
where he plied his trade at clubs including
Feyenoord and PEC Zwolle. His senior debut came
at Feyenoord as a 19-year-old against Ajax in
April 2017.
Forwards:
The Blades have Tom Cannon, Tyrese Campbell,
Louie Barry, Ryan Oné, Chiedozie Ogbene,
Danny Ings, Louie Marsh and Christian
Nwachuckwu to deploy in their forward line.
With the exceptions of Marsh and Nwachuckwu,
all of them have been utilised in league action.
Campbell has racked up two league goals to his
name while Ogbene has contributed one assist.
Cannon arrived at the Blades in January 2025
and has scored once in 26 appearances during
his time with them so far. The 22-year-old has
previously had spells with clubs such as Everton,
Preston North End, Leicester City and Stoke City.
Since being acquired from Stoke City in August
2024, Campbell has produced 13 goals in 46
appearances for the club. He was handed his
senior debut at Stoke at the age of 17 in February
2018 and ended his time there with a total of 164
appearances and 36 goals.
CHIEDOZIE OGBENE
ONE TO
WATCH
SYDIE
PECK
AGE: 21
POSITION: MIDFIELDER
Ever since being handed his senior Blades
debut in the Premier League aged 19 in
December 2023, Sydie Peck has gone on
to firmly establish his place at the heart of
their midfield.
He’s recorded 57 appearances and four
assists for them thus far and has worn the
captain’s armband on one occasion during
the 2025/26 season. Prior to his Blades
bow, Peck spent time out on loan at Oldham
Athletic in the 2022/23 campaign where he
featured on nine occasions.
He started his football journey by spending
11 years in the Arsenal youth ranks before
making his move to Bramall Lane in July 2021.
Peck recently made his Under-21 debut
for England and previously represented his
country in the Under-17 and Under-20 age
groups.
11

THE BIG INTERVIEW
JOHN LUNDSTRAM
The colours of this afternoon’s opponents are all too familiar for
midfielder John Lundstram and three of his current City teammates.
Lundstram, John Egan, Regan Slater and Oli
McBurnie all have played senior games for
Sheffield United, making a combined total of
506 appearances. One hundred and twenty of
those outings are Lundstram’s, who enjoyed a
four-season spell with the Blades which saw an
automatic promotion to the Premier League in
2019.
“I am buzzing for the game and it will be nice to
see some old faces as well. It is a club I enjoyed
and I had good times at, so I am looking forward
to the game,” said Lundstram. “A lot of people
have moved on from the club from when I was
there, but as soon as Chris (Wilder) got the job
again, it was like right, Chris is back in the job
and we’ve got Sheffield United soon, and I’m just
looking forward to it and can’t wait to get going.”
Wilder managed the midfielder for 114 of his 120
outings for the Blades, signing the midfielder from
Oxford United. Returning to the dugout to manage
Sheffield United for a third time only last month,
Lundstram spoke on the impact the 58-year-old
has had on his career so far ahead of his first
meeting against the Blades since leaving the club
to join Rangers in July 2021.
To have a support
that really clap you
off the pitch and
appreciate how hard
you have worked is
really nice to see.
“He has had a big massive effect on my career
and I am looking forward to seeing him and all the
staff. Alan Knill was a massive influence on me
too, so I am looking forward to seeing them. He
had a big influence on my career and I have fond
memories of me and Chris. He has done a lot for
me, but of course I want to get one over him!
“I absolutely loved my time at Sheffield United,”
added Lundstram. “I think a lot of teams you play
for, you still hold something in you and I have
fond memories of the club. There are some great
people working behind the scenes there. It is a
club that I do hold close and I hold dearly so it will
be good to see some old faces, but equally, I will
be trying my all to get the win.”
The Liverpudlian joined the Tigers on loan from
Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor for the
2025/26 campaign. Making his City debut in
the season opener away at Coventry City, the
31-year-old has played in all nine fixtures. If he
plays against his former side, the midfielder will
make his 499th senior appearance, lining up his
500th after the October international break away
at Birmingham City.
“I am loving it and relishing it. As I said when I
signed, the move reignited something in me like a
fire in my stomach that I missed for a few months
while I was away. I’m absolutely buzzing to be
back (in England) and working under the gaffer,
Marko (Salatović) and ‘Deano’ (Dean Holden),”
revealed Lundstram.
“I have loved it and to be back with some familiar
faces who I call really good and best friends in the
game and even some of the lads I had never met
before like ‘Coyley’ (Lewie Coyle), Dillon (Phillips)
and some of the other lads who I have met for the
first time here, I have become very close friends
with them, so I am absolutely loving it and long
may that continue.”
12

Sheffield United
is a club that I do
hold close and
I hold dearly so
it will be good
to see some
old faces, but
equally, I will be
trying my all to
get the win.

On transfer deadline day, the Tigers bolstered
the midfield ranks when bringing in Bosnian
international Amir Hadžiahmetović on loan
from Beşiktaş and current England Under-21
international Darko Gyabi on a permanent deal
from Leeds United. After spending a month with
the duo, Lundstram spoke on the competition for
places at the club as he aims to compete for his
starting shirt.
“They are two lads that are at different ends of
their careers. Darko is just starting out and Amir
is an experienced pro now at 28, so it is nice to
have a talent like Darko who had a great season at
Plymouth last season and you know what you’re
getting with Amir. He’s experienced, great on the
ball and calm in possession so I am loving it to be
honest, and not just them two but I love playing
with everyone as well. We have a really good
squad now and I think when everyone’s fit, we’ve
got a real competitive team.”
Coming close to finding a winner in the fourth
minute of stoppage-time when forcing a fingertip
save from Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen,
the previous home game against Southampton
saw Lundstram net his first goal in City colours.
McBurnie knocked down Lewie Coyle’s cross for
the midfielder to volley home and finish off a
clinical counter attack.
“I always come up with some goals here and
there! I have been playing in the number eight
role recently so I have a lot of legs in my game
and I am a good runner. When I was at Sheffield
United, I was tasked with getting into the box to
try and score goals. I am trying to roll back the
years and get back into a similar role and come
up with some goals now that I can get more
forward.”
“The hardest thing to do in football is score goals
so it is a good sign that we are creating chances
and we are scoring,” added Lundstram. “We are
very focused on getting a ball in a dangerous area
in the box and the more we have the ball in there,
then obviously the more chances you are going to
create, so it is about getting the ball in dangerous
positions and Oli has been on the end of a lot
lately, but there’s Kyle (Joseph), ‘Joffy’ (Joe
Gelhardt), Enis (Destan) has come on the last few
weeks and has looked really good. We have a lot
of goals in the team and we just need to keep on
providing them.”
Returning to today’s game against Sheffield
United, it will be an emotional one for the
31-year-old. Not only will it be the first time that
he will face his former side, Lundstram spoke on
the special bond he has with McBurnie and Egan
and how the trio came closer following the sad
passing of former Blade George Baldock.
“It brought us closer together with what
happened to George. I just think you realise how
life can be short and I think it was Oli who said
that it was a message with us all playing together
again. He will be looking down on us laughing
and I am sure that if he was still here, we would
probably be trying to get him to the club as well
and get a proper reunion back.
“George holds a special place in my heart and
John’s and Oli’s hearts, and playing against
Sheffield United for the first time since he passed
will probably be emotional for myself, but I am
sure he will be looking down on us. I don’t know
who he will want to win; whether it will be for me
or Sheffield United! But it’ll be a good game and
an emotional one for myself.”
Seeing over 18,000 fans at the MKM Stadium
on Tuesday night against Preston, Lundstram
concluded about the quick bond he has forged
with the City faithful ahead of what is expected
to be another over 20,000 crowd for today’s
Yorkshire derby.
“A lot of the times I have noticed that when
we have come at the bad end of a result, they
have been clapping us off. I have been part of
sides where you don’t always deserve a clap off
the pitch and I get that, but I think the fans are
appreciative that we are giving it our all,” said
Lundstram.
“We are really trying to produce results that they
are going to be proud of and to know that they
really have our back in good and bad times is a
good feeling to know that support is behind you.
It really motivates you to do well for them. I have
been in teams where at the end of a bad result
and you have given your all and maybe things
don’t fall your way, you get booed off; it is not a
nice feeling. But to have a support that really clap
you off the pitch and appreciate how hard you
have worked is really nice to see. I couldn’t speak
any more highly of the fans and how they have
been with not just me but the whole team.”
JOHN LUNDSTRAM IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
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CLASSIC CLASH
SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-3 HULL CITY
Friday 24 January 2025 | Bramall Lane | Championship
Rubén Sellés’ Hull City side recorded a big
win against Sheffield United last time out.
Sheffield United: Cooper;
Gilchrist (Rak-Sakyi 65’),
Ahmedhodžić, Robinson
(C), McCallum (Souza
56’); Burrows, Peck;
Brooks (Campbell 56’),
O’Hare, Brereton Díaz
(Brewster 55’); Cannon.
In front of the Sky Sports
cameras, the Tigers faced the
Blades in South Yorkshire, with
Sellés’ men aiming to push
themselves further clear of the
relegation places. Meanwhile,
the Blades occupied second
spot and aimed to strengthen
their chances of securing
automatic promotion.
Ben Brereton Díaz almost put the
Blades ahead early on when his
effort was tipped behind by Ivor
Pandur. After withstanding three
successive corners, City broke
away and ended up going ahead.
Joe Gelhardt sent Abu Kamara
through, and his intercepted ball
ended up in the path of Matt
Crooks who produced a superb
25-yard strike to get his first goal
for the club.
Chris Wilder’s team then went
about trying to get back on
level terms with more set-plays,
but these were all successfully
repelled by the City defence.
Cody Drameh and Alfie Jones
both thwarted Brereton Díaz with
excellent blocks to protect their
lead. The Blades thought they
equalised in the 57th minute
when Tyrese Campbell slotted
home, but this was ruled out for
offside.
In the 63rd minute, the Tigers
doubled their lead as substitute
Matty Jacob secured his first
league goal for the club. He was
on the end of Drameh’s cross
and poked the ball into the back
of the Blades net before City
gave themselves a three-goal
cushion with two minutes to go as
Harrison Burrows diverted the ball
off the post and over his own goal
line from João Pedro’s cross.
This secured City a third
consecutive away victory and
a third clean sheet in six league
games. As well as this, it was their
first win at Bramall Lane since
2010.
CLASSIC CLASH IS PROUDLY
SPONSORED BY:
Subs Not Used: Davies,
Baptiste, Norrington-
Davies, Blacker, Oné.
Hull City: Pandur;
Drameh, Burns (Jacob
55’), Jones (C),
McLoughlin; Alzate, Slater
(Puerta 75’), Crooks
(Matazo 55’); Kamara,
Joseph (Pedro 65’),
Gelhardt (Burstow 75’).
Subs Not Used:
Lo-Tutala, Smith,
Vaughan, Amrabat.
Scan the QR code to
watch highlights from
this classic clash!
19

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LOOKING BACK
ON THIS DAY
‘The Tiger’ looks back into the archives to find out
what happened On This Day in City’s history…
OCTOBER
04
1930: Hull
City legend
Stan Alexander
scored his
second of three
hat-tricks for
the club on this
day 95 years
ago as the
Tigers picked up
a crucial 3-1 win
over Hartlepool
in Division
Three. The
forward netted
his first of the
afternoon within
five minutes as City led 1-0 at the interval. Bill
McCracken’s side took full control heading into
the final quarter-of-an-hour when Alexander
netted two quickfire goals to complete a
spectacular hat-trick and fire Hull up to third in
Division Three.
1977: Striker Alan
Warboys inspired
Hull City to a
vintage victory over
Tottenham Hotspur at
Boothferry Park. The
striker, who would go
on to net a hat-trick
against Millwall later
in the campaign,
scored a four-minute
brace in the first half
to help City take
a 2-0 advantage
into the interval.
Bobby Collins’ side
showed defensive quality in the second period at
Boothferry Park to secure maximum points and
move up to 13th in Division Two.
2003: The Tigers ran
riot in 2003 at Sixfields,
defeating Northampton
Town 5-1 in Division Three.
Distinguished striker Stuart
Elliott fired Hull into the
lead on 20 minutes, before
Danny Allsopp doubled the
advantage three minutes
before the interval. Three
goals in the secondhalf
from Jason Price,
Ben Burgess and Jamie
Forrester sealed the deal
for the rampant Tigers in
front of 6,011 fans in Northamptonshire,
rewarding Peter Taylor’s side with top spot after
matchweek 13.
2014: Steve Bruce’s Hull City ran out 2-0
winners over Neil Warnock’s Crystal Palace in the
Barclays Premier League in 2014. The teams went
into the break locked together, but Mo Diamé’s
powerful header on the hour opened the scoring.
Nikica Jelavić’s fourth goal of the season a minute
before stoppage-time secured a hard-fought
victory on home soil.
23

E
TEMPORARY TIGERS
In each edition of ‘The Tiger’ we take a look at the players who
joined Hull City previously on loan and the impact they made.
OMAR ELABDELLAOUI
Appearances: 9
Heritage Number: #1025
Norwegian right-back Omar Elabdellaoui joined
Hull City on loan from Greek giants Olympiacos
in January 2017 and made nine appearances
during his short spell with the club.
The defender rejoined manager Marco Silva, who
had used Elabdellaoui regularly during his time in
the Greek capital, but the experienced defender
didn’t have the desired effect in HU3.
He joined Manchester City as a 16-year-old,
enjoying successful loans with Norwegian side
Stromsgodset, Dutch club Feyenoord and
Germany’s Eintracht Braunschweig before
departing in the search for regular first-team
football.
A permanent move to serial winners Olympiacos
in June 2014 saw the Norwegian’s career spring
into life, winning the league title four times during
his time with the club and being a staple in the
Greek giants’ dominance in the Greek Super
League. After leaving Greece in 2020, Elabdellaoui
spent time with Galatasaray and Bodø/
Glimt before retiring in 2024.
STUART ELLIOTT
Appearances: 3
Heritage Number: #737
Not to be confused with his goal machine
namesake that played for City during the
following decade, Stuart Elliott was a combative
midfielder who spent March 1997 on loan at
Terry Dolan’s Tigers. The loanee joined Hull from
Newcastle United and was sent off on debut
against Northampton Town in his first of just
three appearances for the club.
Elliott departed the Magpies in the year 2000,
embarking on an epic 14-year tour of lower
league and non-league clubs, rarely staying
anywhere for more than a season. In February
2019, after Elliott’s playing career had ended back
in the North East, he was appointed manager of
Newcastle Benfield, a Northern League side that
plays in the East End of Newcastle.
24

TEMPORARY TIGERS
OTHER E SURNAME LOANEES:
Malcolm Ebiowei | Heritage Number: #1130 | Appearances: 12
TOMMY ELPHICK
AHMED
ELMOHAMADY
Appearances: 217 | Goals: 11
Heritage Number: #969
Fans favourite Ahmed Elmohamady joined Hull
City on loan from Sunderland in 2012 before
going on to spend four more memorable full
seasons in HU3. The attacking full-back was an
ever-present for two full campaigns in the top
flight, holding the record for the most Hull City
appearances in the Premier League with 109.
After departing the MKM Stadium in 2017,
Elmohamady joined Aston Villa and reunited
with former manager Steve Bruce for the third
time in his career. The right-back spent four
seasons with Villa, including promotion back to
the Premier League in 2018/19 via a play-off final
victory against Derby County.
The Egyptian was a regular in his country’s
national team through his career, making 92
caps between 2007 and 2021. The right-back
announced his retirement from the professional
game at the end of the 2020/21 season after
making 14 Premier League appearances with Villa.
Appearances: 18 | Goals: 1
Heritage Number: #1060
Defender Tommy Elphick joined Hull City on
deadline day in August 2018, adding experience
to Nigel Adkins’ back line. The centre-back
helped improve City’s defensive record and
contributed to a winter revival that saw the club
rise clear of the Championship relegation zone.
Netting in his final home appearance for the
Tigers, a 3-2 win over Swansea City, parent
club Aston Villa recalled Elphick at the start of
the January transfer window because of his
impressive performances.
The defender left boyhood club Brighton in 2012,
moving along the South Coast to Bournemouth.
During his four seasons with the club, with which
he captained, the Cherries won promotion to the
Premier League under Eddie Howe for the first
time in their history.
Elphick had a brief spell with Huddersfield Town
at the end of his career, making 14 appearances
before announcing his retirement from the
professional game. The experienced defender
currently works as assistant manager at
Bournemouth, who are enjoying Premier League
successes of their own under exciting manager
Andoni Iraola.
25

DOUBLE AGENTS
RYAN FRANCE
Hull City Career: 151 appearances, 9 goals
Sheffield United Career: 10 appearances
A member of an elite group of four City players
to have played in all top four divisions of English
football for the club, Ryan France’s Hull career
began in September 2003. Rejected originally
by Sheffield Wednesday, the midfielder was
plying his trade at Alfreton Town while studying
at Nottingham Trent University for a degree
in Sport Science, with him almost joining a
different club prior to signing for City.
“I was two years into my three-year course at
Nottingham Trent and I got offered a trial at Stoke,
but I didn’t do so well. Then I went to Coventry
and had two weeks there, and it just felt brilliant.
Gary McAllister was absolutely outstanding
and Alfreton kindly let me play in a trial game
away at Nottingham Forest,” said France.
“I had a really, really good game. I remember
coming off and I was cramping all over, because
although I was fit, I wasn’t professional footballer
fit. I just gave it everything. I had a meeting
with Gary McAllister and he said: ‘there’s an
offer here of a two-year contract.’ It was a lot
of money. It was more money than I ended up
getting at Hull, but I had done three years at
college and two years at university. If I took the
opportunity, and let’s say it doesn’t come to
fruition, I would have had to start (my degree)
again and I just couldn’t take that risk.”
Once France completed his degree, the Tigers
quickly snapped up the versatile midfielder.
Thankful for Alfreton giving him the platform
to enjoy football, an initial £15,000 fee was
what it took for City to secure his services.
“It was bibs and balls included as well! I know
the fee rose because of appearances to about
£55,000, but when you look back, I think all
parties benefited from the deal which was good.
Hull got a good deal and it gave Alfreton some
money to go and do what they needed to do,
and I thank them for everything they did for me
with a wonderful chairman. They got their just
rewards for treating me really well and I obviously
got the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream
and become a professional footballer.”
Fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional
footballer became even better on his senior
debut at home to Kidderminster Harriers
on 27 September 2003. Coming for Jason
Price on 76 minutes with Peter Taylor’s side
3-1 up, it took France just eight minutes to
score a first goal in amber and black as the
Tigers went on to record a 6-1 victory.
“It was just the perfect day; it was one of
the best days of my life. I had two weeks (of
training) and I did not expect to be straight in
the squad. I think I was told on the Friday and
I was going out on Saturday with my friends
from University and they were staying at mine,”
reminisced France. “I was in the matchday
squad on the bench and when you’re doing the
warm up in front of all these fantastic fans it
was great. I wasn’t used to the atmosphere, but
I just embraced it and thoroughly enjoyed it.
26

“Steve Butler turned around and said: ‘Francey,
go get warmed up.’ The beauty about it was
because you don’t really expect to be going
on and then are told you’re going on, you don’t
have time to think about it. When I went on the
pitch, I didn’t get caught up in the moment. I just
It was bibs and
balls included as
well! I know the
fee rose because
of appearances to
about £55,000, but
when you look back,
I think all parties
benefited from the
deal which was good.
did what I’d been doing for the last few years at
Alfreton. I remember Ben Burgess turning around
and saying to keep doing really good things.
“I was an out and out right winger and I should
have got involved in more goals. On that day,
I found myself playing centre-forward. The
cross came in from Andy Holt and the ball was
there to be slide tackled into the goal. When
I felt it hit the back of the net it was just like,
‘I’m not quite sure what to do now’, hence the
celebration! It was just that moment. If you
could bottle it, you’d make a lot of money as
that was everything that I’d dreamed of.”
The Sheffield-born winger featured 30 times
in all competitions in his breakout campaign,
coming off the bench 21 times as City won
promotion from League Division Three. France
would be more of a regular in the second
promotion from League One the following
season, starting 22 of 31 appearances in the
league in 2004/05, scoring in away victories
over Colchester United and AFC Bournemouth.
Part of a double promotion at Alfreton,
with one of them coming under current
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder, France
could see the similarities in both teams
and why they achieved what they did.
27

“First and foremost, Peter Taylor gave me the
opportunity to become a professional footballer
so that was a box ticked. I knew straight away that
we were strong, because I’d been in a dressing
room at Alfreton where we’d already just got
two back-to-back promotions, so I know what a
strong dressing room and squad looks like. We’d
get together off the pitch and then on Saturday,
you wanted to win, not only for you or your family,
but you’re doing it for your pals and the fans.
When everything is in line and moving in the
same direction, that makes a massive difference.
“It’s momentum. You build these brilliant habits
and you get the ball rolling and don’t change
what’s not broken. It works in any form of life,”
added France. “The second season for me
was my favourite season at Hull, because I
was obviously more of a first choice. When
you’re one of the main features in the team,
it does mean a lot and we did a wonderful
thing and got the second promotion.
“To be involved in that and to be involved in the
city, you’re just thinking it must be great to be
a fan now. I’m a fan now, because I’m involved
in it, but the fans were seeing us all together
again. We’re doing things together as a team
and it was good to enjoy it with everybody.”
Helping the team consolidate in the
Championship by being a regular for the
next two-and-a-half-years, an unfortunate
cruciate ligament injury in a home game
against West Bromwich Albion in February
2007 would see France ruled out for almost
a year, returning in a FA Cup third round tie
against Plymouth Argyle in January 2008.
“The frustrating thing is, and it did turn out to
be a positive, I thought I was playing the best
football I had ever done. I felt comfortable, fit,
strong and I felt like I could run forever. I just felt
good and it happened so inconspicuously. It
was a tackle. My body went one way, my knee
went the other. I remember getting carried off
and I got back to the changing rooms thinking
I can’t believe I’ve just got stretched off. I feel
like a right dipstick, because if I got kicked, I
got back up. You had to hurt me and I felt like
it didn’t feel that bad,” explained France.
“That night, I took my cousin to bowling. I’d got
the crutches and it didn’t feel like I hurt it. I
remember the next morning, I went under the
knife and woke up. I came round and there was
blood all over my bed and I remember Simon
Maltby the physio at the time telling me I’d
ruptured my cruciate ligament. It was just a
really big shock, but I thought I’d embrace it.
I’m going to take the challenge and I’m going
give everything I’ve got to get back bigger,
faster, stronger, although it was a difficult seven
to nine months as I didn’t feel part of it.”
Featuring 13 times in the lead up to the play-off
win in 2008, France would join the exclusive fourman
club of Andy Dawson, Ian Ashbee and Boaz
Myhill to play for the Tigers in all four divisions,
making his Premier League debut against
28

When I felt it hit the
back of the net it was
just like, ‘I’m not quite
sure what to do now’,
hence the celebration!
It was just that moment.
If you could bottle it,
you’d make a lot of
money as that was
everything that I’d
dreamed of.
Arsenal before later playing against Chelsea in
his second and final Premier League outing.
“It was mixed emotions as I was over the
moon for all my friends that played, the fans
and happy for me as I’m in a team that are
in the Premier League. But I was becoming
17th or 18th man so it was a frustrating time. I
thoroughly enjoyed those opportunities, those
experiences and it’s on the CV. I played in all
four divisions with the same team. There’s
not many people that have done that. I’m so
proud of myself for being able to do that.”
At the end of City’s debut campaign in the
top flight, France would leave the club after
an incredible six-year service. Appreciative of
manager Phil Brown calling him to meet in person
to tell him of his release, the winger went back to
Sheffield Wednesday on trial under Brian Laws.
Heading out on a pre-season tour to Malta,
the Owls threw money to keep Marcus Tudgay
at the club, which would see France look for
opportunities elsewhere, with the Steel City
rivals of Sheffield United approaching him.
“I felt comfortable at Sheffield Wednesday. I
actually fell asleep on the coach which tells you
everything you need to know and I had a really
good trial game against Hartlepool. The next
day, I’d got a few offers on the table, including
Sheffield Wednesday and United. United put a
good offer on the table, but I said to Brian Laws if
you can match it, then I’ll come and have a chat
with you, but the offer was half of what United
was offering and when you’re at the ripe old age
of 29, you have to have conversations with the
family. I’ve never been money driven and at the
time, Sheffield United was a better proposition.”
Sadly, injuries would restrict France to just 10
appearances in a Sheffield United shirt before
retiring. Despite not playing many games for the
Blades, the now-44-year-old is honoured to
represent one of the clubs from his boyhood city.
“I really wanted to do well, but my knee just
wouldn’t allow me to do well and I was injured
for 14 months. The surgeon said there was one
more operation that they could do, but I had a
3% chance of success and it’ll more than likely
affect your livelihood. Moving forward, I’ve got
two young kids, and if I were to rewind to the
decision I made against Coventry and looked
beyond football, I made the same decision again
and declined. The probability of 3% says that
they are not good so I made the decision to
call it a day and that feels like it was yesterday,
but it also feels like it never happened. I have
got enormous respect for Sheffield United.”
29

Kicks off
April 2026
Available
nationwide
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Isla
Age: 8
Please welcome today’s
match mascots!
Favourite Hull City Players:
Lewie Coyle, Kyle Joseph
& Regan Slater
Hobbies: Football, Horse
Riding & Dance
Arthur
Age: 5
Favourite Hull City Players:
Charlie Hughes, Ivor
Pandur & Lewie Coyle
Hobbies: Football, Cricket
& Playing the Drums
Sully
Favourite Hull City Players:
Lewie Coyle, Oli
McBurnie & John
Lundstram
Hobbies: Growing,
Sleeping & Bouncing
Ferne
Age: 10
Favourite Hull City Players:
Ivor Pandur, Lewie Coyle
& Regan Slater
Hobbies: Football, Dance
& Playing Out
Thea
Age: 10
Favourite Hull City Players:
Lewie Coyle, Ivor Pandur
& Charlie Hughes
Hobbies: Football, Dance
& Horse Riding
Finley
Age: 5
Favourite Hull City Players:
Joe Gelhardt,
Oli McBurnie &
Mohamed Belloumi
Hobbies: Football, Mario
Kart & Playing Switch
Violet
Age:9
Favourite Hull City Players:
Ivor Pandur, Mohamed
Belloumi & Lewie Coyle
Hobbies: Football,
Swimming & Playing with
Friends
Your match predictions
The score will be: Hull City Sheffield United
The first goalscorer will be?
The time of the first goal:
Your player of the match:
31

Wordsearch
Can you find the following players
from today’s teams hidden?
Who Am I?
Who is the current
Tiger that has been
blurred below?
McBurnie, Egan, Slater, Lundstram,
Arblaster, Hamer, Ogbene, Cooper.
E I N R U B C M H Y H Q B K R
R V Q I V H Y G L A U Z B V E
U W D U B H X Q A B M B B L T
U H A N O V S U D Q P E S P A
K H O O G C W N B T E R R X L
V N A O B I Y S P W B O G M S
M M A W E I F C Z W I F A A K
H H C G N F O A L H P R C Z L
L A J F E O Y H I F T H W G H
J C I X P J N Y F S A U H I M
A V L E G G Z I D R N V F E X
G S R Y T X T N H E M M W A P
B M W J R I U H Z U S C D Q O
I C R P Y L M K W B S H E P Z
A R B L A S T E R E X L Z U U
Numbers Game
Can you name the City player once
completing the calculation?
Phillips 12
- Pandur 1
+ Belloumi 10
= ??
32

Spot the
Ball
Can you tell the true
position of the ball?
A, B, C, D or E?
A
B
C
D
E
Spot the
Difference
Can you find all six?
Numbers Game: Gelhardt 21
Spot The Ball: D
HOW DID
YOU DO?
Who Am I? Charlie Hughes
33

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B

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into summer
arrive by
9am * for
SUMMER
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Hassle free
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*On Saturdays.
It’s better when you book direct
hulltrains.co.uk

TIGERS TRUST
IN THE COMMUNITY
David Akintola visits Disability
Walking Football Session
The Tigers Trust were delighted to welcome Hull
City’s David Akintola to their Disability Walking
Football session during National Inclusion Week.
These weekly sessions, held every Wednesday
at the Tigers Trust Arena, are designed for adults
(18+) with additional needs due to having a
disability. They offer more than just physical
activity - they create a friendly, inclusive space
for socialising and building connections through
football.
David’s visit was a memorable moment for
everyone. He joined in enthusiastically, playing
alongside participants and making sure everyone
felt involved. His efforts to pass the ball around
and include each player before scoring were
appreciated by all.
National Inclusion Week celebrated diversity and
highlights the importance of inclusive spaces.
David truly embodied this spirit, not only during
the game but also afterwards, when he took part
in a Hull City-themed quiz. His presence brought
smiles, laughter, and a real sense of connection.
Reflecting on the experience, David said: “I found
it very fun. It was good to mingle with the fans
outside the stadium and just have conversations
with some of them.”
Willow’s confidence grows through
the Tigers Trust’s Football Centres
As the Trust look forward to October Football
Centres, we’re shining a light on Willow’s
inspiring journey. Over the summer, she
stepped onto the pitch for the very first time.
Football was unfamiliar territory, and at first,
she was quiet and unsure especially in an
environment filled with boys and male coaches.
But something changed with each session.
Encouraged by the Tigers Trust coaches and
surrounded by a supportive environment, Willow
began to find her feet.
Football Centres, designed for children aged
5–12, offer more than just games - they build
confidence, friendships, and skills. Willow’s
transformation was remarkable. By the end of
summer, she wasn’t just joining in - she was
thriving.
Her mum, Hannah, shared: “Initially, Willow was
shy and reserved… but as the days went by,
she became increasingly excited to return. Her
confidence grew, and her football skills improved
significantly.”
Keep going Willow and believe in yourself!
37

GOLDEN BOOT
DAVID BROWN
In each edition of ‘The Tiger’, we hear from a former club Golden
Boot winner on their winning season and their time at Hull City.
First joining on loan in March 1998, City
supporters will never forget the goalscoring
exploits of David Brown in one of the most
crucial seasons in the club’s history. One of
Manchester United’s promising youngsters
at the time of his arrival in East Yorkshire, the
forward netted a brace on his third City outing
in a 2-1 victory over Hartlepool United in April
1998.
“I had been at Manchester United for three-anda-half
years by that point. Although I was training
with the first team on a regular basis and playing
in the reserves for them, it was always an ambition
to come and play first-team football as that is
what you’re a footballer for, to play football,” began
Brown. “I had a bit of a knee injury and I remember
speaking to Sir Alex (Ferguson) and a couple of
other people at the club, like the coaches Eric
Harrison and Ian Bailey, to see if there was an
opportunity to go out on loan.
They (Manchester
United) were keen
for me to extend for
another year, but I
think the offer from
Hull was a good offer
and it seemed to be
the logical thing to
do for me to keep on
progressing.
“There were a couple of clubs around the North
West that I was looking at and Hull City’s name
popped up and Warren Joyce was there. I knew
‘Joycey’ a little bit as he was a coach with the
Under-16s at Man United at the time. Obviously
with Mark Hateley being the manager, it was a big
pull for me as a striker to go and play for him. The
move happened really quickly.
“Hull City is a massive club and back then, there
was a lot going on that us as players were sort
of keyed into, but it was an opportunity to play
first-team football. I remember my debut against
Macclesfield. It was quite a warm day and I got
battered about across the pitch. I hasn’t seen that
side of things when I played for United so it was
an eye opener and scoring my first goals against
Hartlepool was a big thing to get off the mark
really.”
Featuring seven times at the back end of the
1997/98 campaign, Brown would leave the Red
Devils to rejoin the Tigers on a permanent basis in
July 1998. When asked about leaving Manchester
United to join Hull City, who were in the fourth
tier of English football, the striker commented:
“There were quite a few players at United who
were maybe two or three years older than me who
had never really played for the first team and just
didn’t really seem to be going anywhere. Football
is a short career and you need to make the most
of it so I was really keen to make the most of that.
“I remember going back to United in the summer
and myself and my dad went to see Sir Alex to
have a conversation with him about what my
future looked like. They were keen for me to extend
for another year, but I think the offer from Hull
was a good offer and it seemed to be the logical
thing to do for me to keep on progressing. Mark
Hateley wanted to sign me on a permanent deal. I
was happy there, the lads were a good bunch and
I was playing real football if you like, so it was a nobrainer
for me at the time to make the move.”
38

FACT
FILE
Hull City Career:
157 appearances,
31 goals
Heritage Number: #752
Date/Place of Birth:
2 October 1978,
Bolton, England
Hull City First Game:
28 March 1998 v
Macclesfield Town (H –
League Division Three)
Hull City Final Game:
16 May 2001 v Leyton
Orient (A – League
Division Three Play-Off
Semi-Final Second Leg)
Golden Boot Winner:
(League Goals) 1998/99
– 11 goals
Golden Boot Goals:
23 August 1998 v
Chester (A)
8 September 1998 v
Rochdale (H)
9 October 1998 v
Cardiff City (H)
21 November 1998 v
Scunthorpe United (A)
23 January 1999 v
Hartlepool United
[x2] (H)
6 February 1999 v
Brentford (A)
27 February 1999 v
Halifax Town (A)
13 March 1999 v
Leyton Orient (A)
17 April 1999 v
Scunthorpe United (H)
1 May 1999 v
Torquay United (H)
39

The 1998/99 campaign for Hull City was nothing
short of eventful. Losing the first two league games
between progressing in the League Cup, where
Brown scored against Stockport County, the now-
47-year-old netted his first league goal in a 2-2
draw away at Chester.
“I think Stockport were in the Championship at
the time, so it was a big thing as we knocked them
out over the two legs. It was a big thing to go to a
Championship club and to score and win it. Being
a striker is sort of a funny position because you
can play really well, but if you don’t score, it is
almost a failure. You are judged on goals so it was
good to get off the mark in the league at Chester.
It was a thoroughly decent personal start, but
obviously we were struggling to win games.”
Netting in a 2-1 win over Rochdale before
scoring in both legs against boyhood club Bolton
Wanderers in the League Cup, Brown’s next league
finish came at home to Cardiff City in October,
with the club rooted to the bottom of League
Division Three. Five games later, a 1-0 home defeat
against Leyton Orient saw the end of Hateley’s
reign as manager, and in came Warren Joyce as
player manager with the main objective simple; to
keep Hull City in the Football League.
“I was sad to see Hateley get the sack, because
even though it was hard to say he was doing a
good job when were getting beat every week, you
could see he was doing the right things and there
were some players at the club that didn’t like him,”
explained Brown. “‘Joycey’ freshened things up. I
think because he had been a player with us, those
other players had a better relationship with him.
There was a lift and as a player, you can’t really
think about all the behind-the-scenes stuff that is
going on. One day, Mark Hateley is your manager
and then the next day, ‘Joycey’ is your manager.”
An upturn in performances came for the Tigers. A
1-0 over Carlise United raised spirits before four
consecutive defeats ended the calendar year
with disappointment. However, a 1-0 win over
Rotherham United in the first game of 1999 was
followed by a 4-0 thrashing of Hartlepool United,
a fixture both Brown and Brian McGinty netted
braces in.
“We were 4-0 up at half-time. It was literally one
of those games where everything just seemed to
click and you’re getting the rub of the green and
winning. We beat Rotherham the week before so
it was just coming out of the system that we can
play football. It was nice to have a game where
things come off and it sets you up to have that
confidence going into the next few games.”
Out of the 22 fixtures remaining at the start of
1999, City lost only four of them, recording 10 wins
as Brown played a key role in helping Joyce pull
off the ‘Great Escape.’ Netting in vital away wins
over Brentford, Halifax Town and Leyton Orient,
the striker’s 11th and final league goal clinched
City that final key win to escape relegation, a 1-0
victory over Torquay United.
“It was just a belief thing. We signed a couple
of players and with goals and wins, you gain
confidence. You believe that you can go on and
when you look at the different wins, we went
on a great run with ‘Joycey,’” explained Brown. “I
remember going to Brentford and it was a massive
game. They were top of the league at the time and
the expectation on us to go and win at some of
these places were very low, which sometimes took
the pressure off. Going to Brentford and being able
to score was great and I remember the goal and
the celebration in front of the fans.
“It is funny when you look back on it slightly
differently than at the time. Then, it was just a
relief to have got the win and got the goal, but
40

To score that
goal (against
Torquay), finish as
top goalscorer in
such an important
season that has
such significance
now is a good
feeling.”
coming up to the reunion night in Hull, you don’t
realise the significance that had with the club
really,” added Brown on his goal against Torquay.
“The Conference is not an easy league to get out
of and it was harder back then, because it was
only one team that got promotion so you only
realise the significance when you look back on it
now that if we hadn’t of stayed up that year, would
Hull City’s history being in the Premier League or
FA Cup final, would it have been the same?
“I remember the goal well against Torquay. Colin
Alcide produced a good flick on and I think that if
it were Neville Southall a few years earlier, I think
he might have come out and swept that ball up,
but luckily he decided to stay on his line and give
me an opportunity to slot it past him. It was great
as there were 8,000 there and it felt like a packed
house. To score that goal, finish as top goalscorer
in such an important season that has such
significance now is a good feeling.”
With Football League status secured, Brown
remained with the Tigers until the end of the
2000/01 season where under Brian Little, City
reached the League Division Three play-offs,
losing to Leyton Orient in the semi-finals. Heading
to the English Riviera to join Torquay in 2001, the
47-year-old reflected on his final two seasons at
Hull City.
“The season after, ‘Joycey’ ended up getting
sacked. I wish that squad would have been given
a little bit more time to build. We needed new
players to improve the squad that ‘Joycey’ had put
together that season. It almost felt like that squad
was dismantled too early,” said Brown. “Brian Little
came in shortly after and I played quite a bit in
midfield for Brian; he was a different character to
‘Joycey’ and a bigger name. We started to look at
play-offs and realistically going up.
“I enjoyed my time at Hull and obviously the club
went on to do some amazing things after that, but
it was a shame that for myself and a few of the
other players, it ended quite abruptly really. It was
a shame how it ended, because I had three great
years there.”
41

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career with
Kitchen Civils
Call 01430 410044 or email
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UNDER-21S
The Under-21s returned to winning ways in emphatic
fashion against Peterborough United.
PHARRELL BROWN
The Tigers reigned 4-1 victors in their latest
Professional Development League fixture at
Bishop Burton College. All four of City’s goals
came in the first half as a brace from Pharrell
Brown and finishes from Josh Ocaya and Aidon
Shehu secured City all three points.
Lead Professional Development Phase Coach
Conor Sellars made four changes to his starting
XI that drew 1-1 away at Fleetwood Town last
time out. Callum Yam started in goal while Cathal
McCarthy, Ramell Carter and Bobby Moore all
came into the side.
Despite Peterborough hitting the post through
Chris Conn-Clarke in the early exchanges, City
took the lead on 14 minutes as Brown arrowed
his left-footed finish into the far corner. Posh
immediately hit the bar through Olly Arber before
Yam produced a brilliant save to deny Patryk
Sykut.
On 35 minutes, City netted a second as a long
ball by Ed Devine split the visiting defence, and
Ocaya rounded the onrushing Bastian Smith to
score. Two minutes later, it was 3-0. From Posh’s
goal-kick, the Tigers intercepted the ball with
Shehu punishing the mistake.
On the stroke of half-time, Brown secured his
brace and the Tigers’ fourth as captain Hugh
Parker found the winger, who rifled his left-footed
finish into the roof of the net to give Sellars’ side
a 4-0 lead at the break.
Peterborough would pull a goal back in the 58th
minute as Ryan De Havilland’s thunderous strike
from range flew into the far corner past the
outstretched dive of Yam. Both goalkeepers were
forced into great saves throughout the second
half, but City secured the win heading into their
first game of October away at the Coventry
Building Society Arena against Coventry City next
Tuesday.
Hull City: Yam; Devine, McCarthy, Okike, Carter;
Ocaya (Silk 86’), Moore (Maskell 86’); Henia-
Kamau (Mendes 86’), Shehu, Brown; Parker (C)
(Jagielka 76’).
Sub Not Used: Hopper.
OCT 25 FIXTURES:
Tue 7 | Coventry City | A | KO: 1pm | PDL
Fri 10 | AFC Bournemouth | A | KO: 7pm | PLC
Tue 14 | Crewe Alexandra | H | KO: 1pm | PDL
Tue 21 | Huddersfield Town | H | KO: 1pm | PDL
Tue 28 | Wigan Athletic | A | KO: 1pm | PDL
Fri 31 | Sheffield Wednesday | A | KO: 2pm | PDL
45

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UNDER-18S
The Under-18s begin October with a derby as they face Grimsby Town.
BOBBY MOORE
Mark Beard and Kemal Dagli’s side travel to
Cheapside, Waltham, to face the Mariners
for the second group game of the Under-18
Professional Development League Cup. The
young Tigers won their first Group F fixture
when they defeated Barnsley 2-0 at Bishop
Burton College back in August, courtesy of
goals from Jack Topley and Zac Jagielka.
Drawn in Group F alongside Preston North
End, who City will face away at Springsfield
on Saturday 22 November in a 12pm kick-off,
the Under-18s will be looking to progress to
the knockout stages of the prestigious youth
competition for only the second time since its
formation in 2021.
After taking on Grimsby, the Under-18s will return
to league action on Saturday 18 October when
they welcome Barnsley to Bishop Burton College
in a 11am kick-off, who sit top of the Northern
division with 15 points from their opening seven
games, winning five.
To end October, the young Tigers travel to
Poolfoot Farm to face fifth-placed Fleetwood
Town on Saturday 25 October in a midday kickoff.
City sit fourth in the Northern division after
recording three wins from their opening seven
league fixtures, scoring the most goals with 16
goals.
OCT 25 FIXTURES:
Sat 4 | Grimsby Town | A | KO: 11am | PDLC
Sat 18 | Barnsley | H | KO: 11am | PDL
Sat 25 | Fleetwood Town | A | KO: 12pm | PDL
47

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ACADEMY PLAYER FOCUS
CALLUM YAM
One of two Under-21 goalkeepers fighting to be the club’s number
three, Callum Yam has enjoyed his start to the season.
The promising shot-stopper has been allocated
the number 53 shirt, and is currently competing
with Archie Howard to not only wear the
number one shirt for the Under-21s, but also
be the understudy of Ivor Pandur and Dillion
Phillips with the first team.
“Archie’s a great lad. He’s funny, excellent in goal
and we have great, healthy competition between
us; it’s about me pushing Archie and Archie
pushing me because we both want to have a
career and both want to succeed,” said Yam.
“If we’re not pushing and getting the best out
of each other, we’re not going to progress. It’s a
massive thing for us to have.
“This season has been really good. I enjoy training
with the first team and being third choice,
learning from the likes of Ivor and Dillon under
‘Erbz’ [Erbil Bozkurt]. They have been really good
with me when I have been up there, and I also
enjoy coming back into the Under-21s and making
a big impact when I play.
“It’s a really, really proud moment,” added Yam
when asked on seeing his name and number on
the back of a first-team shirt. “Because you work
The season has been
really good. I enjoy
training with the first
team and being third
choice, learning from
the likes of Ivor and
Dillon under ‘Erbz’
[Erbil Bozkurt].
so hard from a young age like most of the boys,
so to see that is really rewarding and it makes you
work harder.”
Between Pandur and Phillips, the duo have
amassed 365 senior club appearances ahead of
this afternoon’s test. Learning with the pair along
with goalkeeper coaches Erbil Bozkurt and Chris
Butt, Yam spoke on how he learns from each
member of the goalkeeper union.
“‘Erbz’ has been great with me. There’s a lot of
little details that I feel I have really improved
because of him. He’s made me feel really
welcome when I have gone up there. He’s really
pushed me and made me a better ‘keeper
throughout the past three months. I’m looking
forward to continue working under him and
fighting to be up there.
“With ‘Butty,’ he always helps me with little details
from when I do come down and helps me focus
on being one of the leaders to make an impact
for the Under-21s.
“Ivor works so hard on and off the field. He’s a
great role model for me, because I feel like we’re
similar in terms of profile. He’s a great person to
learn off,” continued Yam. “Dillon’s a dying breed
of a ‘keeper and you don’t notice why he makes
the saves he makes and why he is where he is,
but he just has so much experience which leads
him to be in great positions at great times which
is just so encouraging for me, because as a young
‘keeper, being able to learn from him is massive.”
Helping the Under-21s recently record a 4-1
victory over Peterborough United last time out,
Yam is now looking forward to seeing some
familiar faces this afternoon as the first team
welcome Sheffield United to the MKM Stadium.
The 19-year-old joined the Tigers’ Under-18
side from the Blades’ academy in January 2024
on an initial 18-month contract. First beginning
his career at Newcastle United at the age of six,
50

Yam featured for both the Blades’ Under-18 and
Under-21 sides.
“I lived with Sydie (Peck), who will probably play
on Saturday and there’s a few of the boys that I
was with there in their first team now, so it’ll be
good to see some familiar faces. They’re a good
group, good team and it’ll be a good game for the
first team.
“For me, personally, they massively helped me
on my journey and are a great club and I have
nothing but good words to say about them
because they were there for me.”
Hoping to be involved in the matchday squad
against the Blades, the goalkeeper is eager to
continue developing and being in and around
a first-team environment, after playing three
games on loan for promotion-chasing Emley
towards the end of last season.
“My hope is that me and Archie push each other
and that’s what we want to do, whether that’s in
the Under-21s or third choice in the first team.
Hopefully at the back end of the season I can go
out on loan and prove myself some more in some
men’s environment and kick on,” explained Yam.
“It was a great experience for myself as Emley
were fighting for play-offs and they got it. The
three games I played were really insightful into
men’s football and that’s ultimately where I want
to get to.”
51

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IN FOCUS
OLI McBURNIE
Netting a brace in our most recent fixture, Oli McBurnie
is looking forward to facing his former side.
It’s very rare that the same player speaks to
‘The Tiger’ in consecutive editions, but when
you have one of the most in-form players in
the division, it is hard to avoid. Two-nil down
at the half-time break after a poor first half,
a second-half brace from McBurnie secured
City a hard-earned point at the MKM Stadium.
“We gave ourselves an uphill battle in the first
half clearly. We weren’t at it for whatever reason,”
said McBurnie. “It was important that we got
to half-time and we have come in and the Skip
(Lewie Coyle) was quite right as he said: ‘we put
it to bed and we will talk about it later. Let’s see
what we’re about.’
“You find out a lot about your teammates when
your backs are up against the wall and I thought
the boys showed an unbelievable reaction. The
boys who came off the bench were excellent
and provided the energy we needed, and that
is not saying the boys that came off were the
problem because any of us could have been
dragged at half-time and I thought second half
we showed exactly what we are about and what
we are good at when we are like that.”
Two minutes into the second half, the
combination of Ryan Giles and McBurnie saw the
striker halve the deficit before the duo linked up
again to level the scoring on 74 minutes. Seeing
John Lundstram’s injury-time strike pushed
away by Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen,
the Scottish international praised the team’s
intensity in the second half to earn a point after
a tough opening 45 minutes.
“The boys were excellent in the second half with
the intensity. Some of the football we played
and the goals we scored were top quality and
we fought to get back into the game. I am a
little bit disappointed not to get the winner at
the end, but their goalkeeper has pulled off an
unbelievable save to deny ‘Lunny.’ It was a game
of two halves definitely, but we showed great
character to come back and show what we are
about.”
The point gained on Tuesday evening sees the
Tigers sit 19th in the Sky Bet Championship with
nine points after eight games played. Today’s
opponents sees last season’s play-off finalists
Sheffield United come into the fixture rooted to
the bottom of the division with only one win this
campaign.
McBurnie scored 29 times for the Blades in 159
appearances prior to moving to Las Palmas. Now
with the Tigers and sitting second of the top
scorer list behind Coventry City’s Haji Wright
with six goals in amber and black, the striker is
looking forward to facing his former employers
as he aims to record all three points prior to the
October international break.
“I have not played Sheffield United since I left so
it will be nice to see some friendly faces before
and after the game, but once we are on the
pitch, it is just another game of football for me,”
explained McBurnie.
“We just need to put together a full 90-minute
performance, like we have done in certain
games. I am sure we will be where we want
to be. The ability is there, the talent is there
and we have the players and squad. You could
see who could have come on from the bench
against Preston and that is massive in the
Championship. We just need to find that right
balance and find that 90 minutes.”
OLI MCBURNIE IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
54

I have not played Sheffield United
since I left so it will be nice to see
some friendly faces before and after
the game, but once we are on the
pitch, it is just another game of football
for me.
RELIVE
THE ACTION
2
2
HULL CITY
PRESTON NORTH END
Hull City: Pandur;
Coyle (C), Hughes,
Egan, Giles (Famewo
84’); Lundstram,
Hadžiahmetović (Millar
46’); Drameh (Gelhardt
46’), Palmer (Slater 46’),
Joseph (Destan 72’);
McBurnie.
Subs Not Used: Phillips,
Ajayi, Akintola, Gyabi.
Referee: Josh Smith
Attendance: 18,624
Scan the QR code for
the match highlights
55

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Thank you to our 2025/26 Boxholders.
KEN FRANKS &
PAT BETTS
IAN HAKES
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KINGSTON
Brands Come Alive

SEASON STATS
2025| 26
DATE KO|FA OPPOSITION COMP TEAM
SAT 9 AUG D 0-0 COVENTRY CITY CHAMP PANDUR DRAMEH HUGHES AJAYI GILES LUNDSTRAM
TUE 12 AUG D 3-3* WREXHAM C CUP PHILLIPS DRAMEH EGAN HUGHES n GILES SLATER
SUN 17 AUG W 3-2 OXFORD UNITED CHAMP PANDUR DRAMEH EGAN HUGHES GILES LUNDSTRAM
SAT 23 AUG L 0-3 BLACKBURN ROVERS CHAMP PANDUR DRAMEH EGAN MCCARTHY GILES LUNDSTRAM n
SAT 30 AUG L 2-4 BRISTOL CITY CHAMP PANDUR DRAMEH HUGHES EGAN GILES LUNDSTRAM
SAT 13 SEP D 2-2 SWANSEA CITY CHAMP PANDUR COYLE EGAN 1 HUGHES n GILES HADŽIAHMETOVIĆ
SAT 20 SEP W 3-1 SOUTHAMPTON CHAMP PANDUR n COYLE HUGHES EGAN GILES n LUNDSTRAM 1 n
SAT 27 SEP L 1-2 WATFORD CHAMP PANDUR DRAMEH n COYLE n EGAN HUGHES GILES n
TUE 30 SEP D 2-2 PRESTON NORTH END CHAMP PANDUR COYLE HUGHES EGAN GILES LUNDSTRAM
SAT 4 OCT 12:30 SHEFFIELD UNITED CHAMP
SAT 18 OCT 15:00 BIRMINGHAM CITY CHAMP
TUE 21 OCT 19:45 LEICESTER CITY CHAMP
SAT 25 OCT 15:00 CHARLTON ATHLETIC CHAMP
SAT 1 NOV 12:30 NORWICH CITY CHAMP
TUE 4 NOV 19:45 DERBY COUNTY CHAMP
SAT 8 NOV 12:30 PORTSMOUTH CHAMP
SAT 22 NOV 15:00 QUEENS PARK RANGERS CHAMP
TUE 25 NOV 19:45 IPSWICH TOWN CHAMP
SAT 29 NOV 12:30 STOKE CITY CHAMP
FRI 5 DEC 20:00 MIDDLESBROUGH CHAMP
WED 10 DEC 20:00 WREXHAM CHAMP
SAT 13 DEC 15:00 MILLWALL CHAMP
SAT 20 DEC 15:00 WEST BROMWICH ALBION CHAMP
FRI 26 DEC 15:00 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY CHAMP
MON 29 DEC 19:45 MIDDLESBROUGH CHAMP
THU 1 JAN 15:00 STOKE CITY CHAMP
SUN 4 JAN 15:00 WATFORD CHAMP
SAT 17 JAN 15:00 SOUTHAMPTON CHAMP
TUE 20 JAN 19:45 PRESTON NORTH END CHAMP
SAT 24 JAN 15:00 SWANSEA CITY CHAMP
SAT 31 JAN 15:00 BLACKBURN ROVERS CHAMP
SAT 7 FEB 15:00 BRISTOL CITY CHAMP
SAT 14 FEB 15:00 IPSWICH TOWN CHAMP
SAT 21 FEB 15:00 QUEENS PARK RANGERS CHAMP
TUE 24 FEB 19:45 DERBY COUNTY CHAMP
SAT 28 FEB 15:00 PORTSMOUTH CHAMP
SAT 7 MAR 15:00 MILLWALL CHAMP
TUE 10 MAR 19:45 WREXHAM CHAMP
SAT 14 MAR 15:00 WEST BROMWICH ALBION CHAMP
SAT 21 MAR 15:00 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY CHAMP
FRI 3 APR 15:00 OXFORD UNITED CHAMP
MON 6 APR 15:00 COVENTRY CITY CHAMP
SAT 11 APR 15:00 SHEFFIELD UNITED CHAMP
SAT 18 APR 15:00 BIRMINGHAM CITY CHAMP
WED 22 APR 19:45 LEICESTER CITY CHAMP
SAT 25 APR 15:00 CHARLTON ATHLETIC CHAMP
SAT 2 MAY 12:30 NORWICH CITY CHAMP
*LOST 5-3 ON PENS

all fixtures
are subject
to change,
please scan
this qr code
to synch your
calendar
HOME
AWAY
GOAL: 1
OG: †
YELLOW CARD n
RED CARD n
SUB 1
SUB 2
SUB 3
SUB 4
SUB 5
UNUSED SUBS
SUBS
ATT:
SLATER n CROOKS n KAMARA JOSEPH NDALA PALMER, MCBURNIE n, GELHARDT, TINSDALE, PHILLIPS, EGAN, FAMEWO, BROWN, MCCARTHY 29,052
LUNDSTRAM n GELHARDT n PALMER TINSDALE MCBURNIE 1 CROOKS 1 NDALA 1, JOSEPH, KAMARA, FAMEWO, PANDUR, BROWN, WADSWORTH, MCCARTHY 10,106
CROOKS 1 n GELHARDT 1 PALMER NDALA MCBURNIE 1 AKINTOLA, KAMARA, SLATER, JOSEPH, FAMEWO, PHILLIPS, WILLIAMS, BROWN, MCCARTHY 20,667
SLATER n GELHARDT PALMER NDALA MCBURNIE JOSEPH, AKINTOLA, BELLOUMI, WILLIAMS, PHILLIPS, VAUGHAN, BROWN, ASHBEE, SHEHU 20,518
SLATER AKINTOLA n GELHARDT 1 NDALA MCBURNIE JOSEPH 1, BELLOUMI, COYLE, PALMER, MCCARTHY, PHILLIPS, WILLIAMS, BROWN, SHEHU 21,385
LUNDSTRAM AKINTOLA GELHARDT JOSEPH MCBURNIE 1 SLATER, BELLOUMI, NDALA, GYABI, DESTAN, PHILLIPS, DRAMEH, FAMEWO, PALMER 15,152
HADŽIAHMETOVIĆ BELLOUMI GELHARDT JOSEPH 1 MCBURNIE 1 GYABI, AKINTOLA, SLATER n, DESTAN n, PALMER, PHILLIPS, DRAMEH, NDALA, FAMEWO 22,085
LUNDSTRAM n HADŽIAHMETOVIĆ GELHARDT MCBURNIE 1 JOSEPH GYABI, SLATER, AKINTOLA n, PALMER, DESTAN, PHILLIPS, MILLAR, FAMEWO, WILLIAMS 17,973
HADŽIAHMETOVIĆ DRAMEH PALMER JOSEPH MCBURNIE 2 SLATER, GELHARDT, MILLAR, DESTAN FAMEWO, PHILLIPS, AJAYI, AKINTOLA, GYABI 18,624
‘It’ is discrimination, in all its forms. Racism. Homophobia, Misogyny. Disablism.
If you have seen it or heard it, follow the QR code to report it to Kick It Out.
Together, we can put an end to it.
Take action today at kickitout.org
AD-148x210-KIO-If You See It, Hear It, Report It.indd 1 30/07/2025 18:57

LEAGUE TABLE 2025|26
Hull City would like to remind
supporters that persistent standing
is prohibited at the MKM Stadium.
HOME
AWAY
P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS
1 Middlesbrough 8 3 1 0 4 1 2 2 0 8 4 +7 18
2 Coventry 8 2 2 0 11 2 2 2 0 11 5 +15 16
3 Stoke 8 2 1 1 5 3 2 1 1 5 2 +5 14
4 West Brom 8 1 2 1 3 3 3 0 1 6 4 +2 14
5 Bristol C 8 1 2 1 6 6 2 2 0 8 2 +6 13
6 Leicester 8 2 2 0 5 2 1 2 1 5 5 +3 13
7 Preston 8 2 2 0 5 3 1 2 1 4 4 +2 13
8 Swansea 8 1 3 0 5 4 2 0 2 4 3 +2 12
9 Charlton 8 2 1 1 5 2 1 2 1 3 4 +2 12
10 QPR 8 2 2 0 5 2 1 1 2 6 11 -2 12
11 Birmingham 8 2 2 0 5 3 1 0 3 2 7 -3 11
12 Millwall 8 1 0 3 1 9 2 2 0 5 3 -6 11
13 Ipswich 7 2 2 0 10 4 0 2 1 2 3 +5 10
14 Southampton 8 1 2 1 4 4 1 2 1 6 7 -1 10
15 Wrexham 8 0 2 2 6 9 2 1 1 7 5 -1 9
16 Watford 8 2 1 1 6 5 0 2 2 3 5 -1 9
17 Portsmouth 8 1 1 2 4 6 1 2 1 3 3 -2 9
18 Hull 8 2 1 1 8 8 0 2 2 5 8 -3 9
19 Norwich 8 0 0 4 4 8 2 2 0 6 3 -1 8
20 Derby 8 0 2 2 5 8 1 2 1 5 6 -4 7
21 Oxford 8 0 2 2 4 6 1 1 2 5 5 -2 6
22 Blackburn 7 0 0 3 2 6 2 0 2 4 4 -4 6
23 Sheff Wed 8 0 1 3 1 9 1 2 1 7 6 -7 6
24 Sheff Utd 8 0 0 4 2 8 1 0 3 1 7 -12 3
AROUND THE GROUNDS
FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER 2025
Wrexham 20:00 Birmingham City
SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 2025
Blackburn Rovers 12:30 Stoke City
Hull City 12:30 Sheffield United
Sheffield Wednesday 12:30 Coventry City
Bristol City 15:00 Queens Park Rangers
Derby County 15:00 Southampton
The local authority’s Safety Advisory
Group has raised concerns about
persistent standing during home
games, with the club at risk of
severe sanctions, including a
reduction in stadium capacity.
Persistent standing in seated
areas while play is in progress
is strictly forbidden under
the ground regulations.
We are determined to avoid the
worst-case scenario and politely
ask supporters to adhere to the
ground regulations to maintain
maximum capacity and protect
the atmosphere at matches.
Failure to comply may result in ejection
from the stadium or a banning order.
The club hopes to avoid such
measures and asks for your
cooperation in making the MKM
Stadium a safe, welcoming
and enjoyable environment
for all our supporters.
FOR FULL VISITORS
INFORMATION FOR
THE MKM STADIUM,
PLEASE SCAN THIS
QR CODE
Millwall 15:00 West Bromwich Albion
Portsmouth 15:00 Middlesbrough
Preston North End 15:00 Charlton Athletic
Swansea City 15:00 Leicester City
Watford 15:00 Oxford United
SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER 2025
Ipswich Town 12:00 Norwich City
FOR THE FULL EFL
2025/26 GROUND
REGULATIONS,
PLEASE SCAN THIS
QR CODE
62

9
9
9
9
9
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9

Head Coach:
Sergej Jakirović
Match
Officials:
Manager:
Chris Wilder
1
2
Ivor Pandur (GK)
Lewie Coyle
Referee:
Gavin Ward
1
2
Michael Cooper (GK)
Japhet Tanganga
3
4
5
6
7
Ryan Giles
Charlie Hughes
John Lundstram
Semi Ajayi
Liam Millar
Assistant Referee:
Bhupinder Singh Gill
Assistant Referee:
Jacob Graham
3
4
5
6
7
Sam McCallum
Ollie Arblaster
Ben Godfrey
Tyler Bindon
Tom Cannon
8
9
10
Eliot Matazo
Oli McBurnie
Mohamed Belloumi
Fourth Official:
Tom Nield
8
9
10
Gustavo Hamer
Danny Ings
Callum O’Hare
11
12
David Akintola
Dillon Phillips (GK)
Next Up:
11
14
Andre Brooks
Harrison Burrows
14
Harry Vaughan
15
Ben Mee
15
John Egan
16
Jamie Shackleton
18
Cody Drameh
17
Adam Davies (GK)
19
Joel Ndala
18
Djibril Soumaré
20
Amir Hadžiahmetović
19
Chiedozie Ogbene
21
Joe Gelhardt
20
Ehije Ukaki
22
23
24
Kyle Joseph
Akin Famewo
Darko Gyabi
Saturday 18 October 2025,
St Andrew’s, 15:00
21
22
23
Nils Zätterström
Tom Davies
Tyrese Campbell
25
Matt Crooks
24
Tahith Chong
27
Regan Slater
25
Mark McGuinness
29
James Furlong
26
Ryan Oné
30
Brandon Williams
27
Louie Barry
39
Enis Destan
28
Alex Matos
40
Pharrell Brown
29
Sam Curtis
41
Tyrell Sellars-Fleming
31
Luke Faxon (GK)
43
Stan Ashbee
32
Mihail Polendakov
45
47
Kasey Palmer
Nathan Tinsdale
Scan the QR code to
get your tickets!
34
37
Louie Marsh
Dovydas Sasnauskas
50
Noah Wadsworth
38
Femi Seriki
58
Cathal McCarthy
40
Christian Nwachukwu
Price: £4.00
42
45
Sydie Peck
Sai Sachdev
Join the conversation, @HullCity