Hull Declare For Owen

Phil Brown is being quoted today as declaring his interest in signing Michael Owen. Owen becomes a "free agent" at the end of the month and will be leaving Newcastle after an unsuccessful spell at the club.

Owens career has gone backwards since he left Liverpool for Madrid. At Real his first team opportunities were limited, though he impressed when selected. So after one season he moved back to England, but the price tag was too high for some potential top half teams, and only Newcastle were prepared to offer mega bucks to sign Owen and maintain the wages.

Since then injury has plighted the former England star.

We asked a few weeks back, where will Owen go and no one put Hull in the frame. However, it would be in my opinion a good move for both Owen and Hull.

For a start, if Michael Owen wants to get back to Champions League Football (of which he has played very little for someone of his reputation) he needs to find his legs again. He needs regular football, but seems short of the requirements of playing twice a week, at the highest possible standards. Hull would offer regular Saturday football in the Premier League and would likely accommodate Owen by playing two up front - and Owen is at his best when playing with a partner.

Secondly though there would be a drop in his wages, he will stay in the Premier League, in front of the eyes of some of the best managers in the world, including England boss Fabio Capello.

Thirdly, though Owen strikes me as sans-ego, but he could probably benefit a bit of hero worship, and some renewed confidence. Newcastle fans can rightly feel aggrieved that the club did not get their moneys worth with Owen, but he did not injure himself on purpose; and that does not mean he cannot shine again.

If he can find his legs and then some goals for Hull City, the fans will take to him. If Hull can find mid-table safety for a couple of Seasons it will be job done and Owen can maybe then look at a last shot with one of the bigger clubs.

Let us know what you think.

Final day (melo)drama

It's not the most exciting end of a season is it?

The only top position left is the last European spot, and Spurs will need to win at Anfield to even have a chance of getting it, meanwhile relegation is basically down to Hull and Newcastle

Personally I (cautiously) think Newcastle are down (big love to Roy Hodgson for helping my bet along by the way) - but of course should Newcastle hammer out a point at Villa, Hull will need a point off one of the most unpredictable games of the season - the unpredictable part being United's team-sheet of course

So I guess the debate is whether Fletcher and his rag-tag bunch of teenagers such as Wellbeck and Macheda will defeat Hull

And as for this debate over the fairness of Hull facing a weakened side - I say bullsh*t (as I do every year) - United will play to win, and Fergie has the right to field whatever team he wishes, Newcastle should've got more points

And besides - if it wasn't for a certain second string player securing 4 points for United they wouldn't be at the top of the table would they?

Personally I think it will be good to lose both Boro and Newcastle, Boro have been a poor team going nowhere for too long, and Newcastle need some time in the naughty corner, as I heard one commentator describe it - let some fresh faces ply their trade in the premier league and hopefully a big club like Newcastle will sort themselves out and return a better side in a year or two

Any thoughts?

Tarquin

Monday Questions

Wow, what a big weekend of football!

After an action packed weekend I am now asking myself the following questions.

1. Have Man Utd re-asserted themselves as favourites in the Premier League race? United were second best for a lot of the game, and with a number of key players absent it looked like United were going to lose a third game on the trot. Yet in the last 10 minutes they came alive sparked by a Ronaldo goal; who his first-half goal aside had not really gotten into the game. A story book ending followed with a fantastic goal from youngster Macheda followed. This comeback seems to have nullified the momentum Liverpool achieved by winning last minute at Fulham.

2. Middlesbrough lost heavily, again. Will Steve Gibson keep faith with Gareth Southgate in the Championship? Not many chairmen would have kept faith with the declining progress of recent years, yet Steve Gibson has done what so many openly cry out for, he gave a young English manager a chance, and then stuck by him. Southgate slashed the wage bill and got rid of the big names that were there for the massive salaries. Others then got better offers, or just got old. Southgate is left with a young team lacking any players with Premier League veteran status. Having gone with a youth policy would it be better to stick with Southgate in hope for a quick return to the Premier League, or go with a new manager who might be less keen on sticking with the young guns?

3. What the hell has happened to Aston Villa? It has happened again, a team looked like they were going to break into that top four yet in the run in. In December Terry Venebles said Villa should not count themselves out of the title race, but by April I can't remember the last time they won a game of Football.... Was it before Emile Heskey joined? There is hope, in periods yesterday they looked good value for an Old Trafford victory. However, the gap between them and Arsenal now looks a little daunting, and if fourth spot evades them they best player will be moving to Liverpool, or possibly Chelsea in the summer. Where 3rd looked likely not so long ago, it looks like Villa will likely now finish 6th.

4. What the hell has happened to Hull City? In a worse free-fall than Villa they have only won two games since Christmas. I tipped Stoke to go down, but Stoke now look the strongest of the teams promoted last year. Will Hull join West Brom and Boro in the drop zone?

Bullard Out For Rest Of Season

Hull City have confirmed that record signing Jimmy Bullard will miss the rest of the season through injury. Bullard has a cartilage tear and damage to his anterior cruciate ligament. It is not clear how long will be required but Bullard definitely will not return this season.

Bullard signed for Hull on a four-and-a-half year deal in January for a £5m fee. ullard left Fulham with 16 months remaining on his contract, but having sought and failed to agree improved terms and an extension.

Bullard spent 18 of his 31 months on the sidelines at Fulham with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The news will come as a blow to Hull City supporters, who after a flying start to the season have been faltering and are slowly dropping into the danger area of a very competitive league table.

Calling Chelsea Fans, Whats Going On?

Chelsea earlier today drew, at home with Hull 0-0. Hull, who got off to a flying start early in the season have more recently reverted to form more associated of a recently promoted team. Yet Chelsea, in their once fortress of Stamford Bridge could not find a goal today. Their Premier League Challenge looks, probably over.

Aston Villa went third today, two points above Chelsea and just three point behind Liverpool with a convincing away result, a 2-0 win at Ewood Park. If Arsenal win their game in hand, they will be just 3 points behind Chelsea, and the prospect of not qualifying for the Champions League could haunt Chelsea's run into the end of the season.

I would like to hear from Chelsea fans in particular as to what you feel has and is going wrong of late, and what you think needs to be done to get your respective challenges back on track. Other fans opinions of course welcome, please let us know your team when stating your point of view. Did Big Phil get it right in the January Transfer Window, is he the man to turn things around?

Friday Transfer News

Hull have concluded the signing of Jimmy Bullard for £5m on a four and a half year contract.

Villa have signed Emile Heskey for £3.5m from Wigan. Heskey was out of contract in the summer and looked doubtful to stay at Wigan.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has said that he is no where near close to signing Chelsea's Carlo Cudicini; but did not deny his interest.

Big Sam has re-stated his determination to keep hold of Roque Santa Cruz. He also said that a loan deal for Eidur Gudjohnsen is looking unlikely.

Rafa Benitez has said he is not looking to sign any one before the end of the January window.

Fulham Accept Offer From Hull For Jimmy Bullard

SkySports.com is reporting that Hull have had an offer of £5m accepted by Fulham for Jimmy Bullard.

Tottenham, Middlesbrough and Sunderland have all been monitoring Bullards situation who is after an improved contract from the Cottagers, despite having 18months left to run.

Updated 19:31 with link to article.

Boa Morte Rejects Hull

Luis Boa Morte has rejected Hull after failing to agree personal terms. It would appear his wage demands were too high for the Tigers.

I am still somewhat shocked when a player turns down regular Premier League Football, to stay on the bench, but I guess that also shows that West Ham must have offered Boa Morte some crazily high wage to sign him in the first place.