By James Martin (Hull City supporter)
November turned out to be a very action packed month for The Tigers with Manager Nigel Pearson moving to Leicester. Who would be Pearson’s successor was the talk of town. The favourite at one point was Manchester United reserves manager Warren Joyce, which failed to materialise and Nicky Barmby was appointed on a temporary basis.
Barnsley 2 Hull City 1
Hull’s nine game unbeaten run came to an end at Oakwell. The Tigers were awarded an early penalty when Robbie Brady was upended following a mazy run. Unfortunately Matty Fryatt missed the spot kick. In the second half Brady provided a number of potential assists, but the strikers could not capitalise. Later a brilliant through ball by the United man created an opportunity for Fryatt, whose shot was palmed away. Then a Brady corner saw centre back Jack Hobbs head just over from close range. When City went behind Brady faded and was replaced by target Man Dele Adebola. A decent performance from Brady, but he’s enjoyed better games in a City shirt.
Hull City 0 West Ham 2
Hull City were unlucky to lose in what proved to be Pearson’s last game in charge. After a slight drop in form in recent matches Brady started on the bench. Many thought the break would do him good. After a goalless first half City soon found themselves two down with only 57 minutes on the clock. Hull responded strongly and were constantly thwarted by Robert Green. When Brady replaced Adebola on 65 Minutes his first corner nearly produced a goal, with Hobbs heading the chance just wide. Late in the game Brady was denied by a spectacular save from Green.
Derby County 0 Hull City 2
Nick Barmby’s reign as caretaker started in fine style with his side defeating fellow promotion hopefuls Derby County 2-0 at Pride Park. This match saw the much anticipated return of pacey former Man United youngster Cameron Stewart. His direct running was a constant thorn in Derby’s side, however his inclusion meant Brady was once again on the bench. City took the lead through Fryatt, before Stewart doubled The Tigers lead. After an hour Brady replaced Stewart and almost made an instant impact, hitting a fierce shot, which Frank Fielding did well to parry. Brady’s impact was generally good, but a number of runs lead to nothing due to him trying to do too much, which has been frustrating for many of the fans.
Hull City 2 Burnley 3
This was arguably Brady’s worst performance for City, as they squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 in the dying stages. Brady was largely disappointing and is starting to appear quite ball greedy. He often makes some very good runs, but loses possession when he tries to do too much. This was a regular problem during this game. He also made a few silly challenges and some very ambitious long range shots, when a pass may have been the better option.
Southampton 2 Hull City 1
Towards the latter stages of November it was reported Brady’s loan spell at Hull would come to an end and he would look to gain experience at a higher level with a Premier League club. Brady again started the match on the substitute’s bench. City took the lead moments before half time when Fryatt fired home, but unfortunately the home team drew level soon after the resumption and then on 55 minutes Southampton’s Lallana netted what eventually was the winning goal. The Tigers were struggling to get a foot hold and were in danger of conceding more, so Brady was introduced midway through the second half in an attempt to alter proceedings, but approximately 10 minutes later he was sent off for a studs up tackle.
Summary
November has been a fairly disappointing month for Hull and Brady, whose form has dropped quite considerably. He will now serve a three match ban and hopefully return refreshed and raring to go.
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