Hull City’s 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United leaves their manager Steve Bruce walking a tightrope, and although he has some credit in the bank with the club’s board, he could well be facing the sack if on-the-field fortunes do not pick up soon.
Tricky Situation
At the start of the season few would have expected Hull to be in the predicament in which they currently find themselves. Whilst they would not have been fancied to make Europe, users of betting apps with the likes of betfair would have happily backed them to finish in a healthy mid-table position and to build on the 16th place they achieved last season. But after 23 games they are in the relegation zone and look to be in big trouble; those punters who have been backing Hull this season must now be looking at recovery staking plans.
Losing Streak
Bruce’s stock at Hull City is still fairly high after he led the team to the FA Cup final last season and reportedly rejected interest from Newcastle United earlier this season in order to help the Tigers in the fight to survive. The club have now lost six straight games, including five defeats in the Premier League, and have not won since Boxing Day when they defeated Sunderland.
Mounting Problems
There are problems for Steve Bruce at both ends of the field. Having conceded three goals in both of their last two games, the first priority for the former Manchester United captain must be to sure up his defence. He needs a solid base to build from and a structure to work around, without this City look to be doomed. At the other end of the field, the Tigers look similarly limited.
The fact that they have only scored in one of their last ten games is a major headache. If Bruce can resolve his defensive issues, then it would give his more attack-minded players the confidence to commit going forward and it would certainly relieve the pressure on him. As it stands, he is walking a very fine line and knowledge that the team’s next game is a trip to Manchester City will not make him feel any more at easy.