adminLONDON. — Steve Bruce believes Hull can copy the blueprint of the English Premier League soccer’s overachievers as they look to survive in the top-flight. Bruce’s side secured an immediate return to the big time following last year’s relegation thanks to Mohamed Diame’s sublime strike in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Senegal midfielder Diame’s long-range effort in the 72nd minute was enough to give Hull a 1-0 win at Wembley on Saturday and Hull boss Bruce can now turn his attention to planning their attempt to avoid the drop next term.
It will help that Hull’s bank balance will be boosted by the £110 million windfall they will earn due to the English Premier League’s new television contracts. Spending that cash wisely is essential, but Bruce will also study shock champions Leicester and the likes of Swansea, Watford and Bournemouth, who have all survived against the odds.
“Nobody gave us a cat in hell’s chance of staying up a few years ago, but it can be done,” Bruce said. “We know we have to be at our maximum and invest well. That’s the hardest part for a club like Hull.
“Even when you’ve got money you have to spend it wisely and get the right player. We’ll do our best.
“If we do things properly we can improve the club no end. If somebody had said leicester would be champions we’d have said they were nuts, so it proves anything can happen.
“Bournemouth and Watford stayed up this season and Swansea have done it for seven or eight years. We have to try to replicate that.” — AFP.
Online Reporter