We met a week late due to the ongoing Hull Fair School in the Dugout and other stadium activities. No problem, we still saw a large turnout, approx 130 members, when we met in the 1904 Lounge.Our Chairman, David, gave his summary of recent activities including the memorable trip to the Fishing Heritage Centre in Grimsby. The menu for our pre-Christmas Luncheon was available and bookings were now being taken. He also mentioned that the Walking Football Club, on Mondays, was doing well but could do with a few extra members – 5 or 6 would be a brilliant outcome.

Barbara gave an update on the forthcoming Outings. The trip to Manchester (Oct 19th) was almost full, two spaces available. Those going were encouraged to bring a packed lunch with them for this trip. The Bramall Lane visit is fully booked. She introduced the list of proposed outings for the New Year and there was a general hum of excitement among the members. We discussed the issue of late cancellations for outings – some coming on the day. It is appreciated that members may have genuine reasons to withdraw but the members agreed that we would not be expected to offer refunds unless it was possible for us to find someone else to take the place.

David informed the members that Pete Magee of Jupiter Web Solutions had been added to our list of Sponsors in recognition of the generous contribution he makes towards our website.

The meeting took a short break as we waited for our Guests, Fraizer Campbell & Jarrod Bowen. When they arrived there was a spontaneous round of applause to greet them. David began his ‘interrogation’ – Fraizer was somewhat surprised at the number of questions that kept coming! The questions were spread among the players but for these summary notes, we will take the players in turn, starting with Fraizer Campbell. We learnt that he was born in Huddersfield in 1987 but at the early age of 10 he was invited to join the Manchester United Academy who had already spotted his talent playing for Huddersfield Town boys. He was already a Man U fan so this opportunity was a dream come true. His first game came when he was asked to play in Roy Keane’s Testimonial match, which he considered a great privilege. He made his competitive debut as a sub in 2007 in the local ‘derby’ against City. Soon after he was loaned out to the Tigers – and scored on his debut for us. He certainly had a great season with us, ending up as our top scorer and then providing the peach of a cross from which Deano scored his wonderful Wembley goal. There were hopes that City would keep hold of him but United had other plans, they were trying to land Berbatov from Spurs and needed a ‘carrot’ so Fraizer headed to White Hart Lane. This had also scuppered a plan for him to come not back to Hull but headed for Wigan and Steve Bruce. A year later and with Brucie now in charge at Sunderland, Fraizer kept his promise to join him despite Hull’s tempting offer to return. His time at Sunderland started well but then, in his second season, he damaged his cruciate and that took him out of the game for 18 months. When he was able to return he moved, for a fresh start, to Cardiff City before then transferring to Crystal Palace where he would spend three seasons. The yearning to return to his Yorkshire roots eventually led him to his return to the Tigers – it took nearly 10 years but we got him back! Having played for England at Under 16, U17, U18 & U21 level he eventually was called up for a full International Cap in 2012 against the Netherlands – it was also the day his eldest daughter was born and the highlight of his career. Asked about his favourite managers he gave praise to Sir Alex Ferguson before saying that Leonid Slutsky is the easiest manager to approach and get on with. Both our players mentioned how the players love him and appreciate his attitude to be involved with them on and off the pitch. When asked who was the best defender he came up against he responded by naming Rio Ferdinand.

Now Jarrod: He was born in 1996 in Herefordshire and played first for Leominster Minors and then Hereford United. He made his first-team debut at just 16 years whilst his first goal came in 2014 against Alfreton Town – and on his dad’s birthday! Hereford sadly folded that season but he was offered a lifeline in the game when the Tigers came calling – a Premiership club? He thought it was a joke! Tony Pennock was the one to spot the raw talent and encourage the club to bring him in. With Hereford folding, it also meant that he came on a free transfer.

His City debut came in August 2016 and an EFL Cup tie away at Exeter City and a 3-1 victory. He made seven appearances for the club in the Premiership but, sadly, there were no victories to celebrate during what was a tough season. The first six were from the bench but the final game of the season saw him handed a debut start – but it was not a memorable debut with City being thumped by Spurs! That is now history as he taken his opportunity this season in great style.

Asked what helps him to keep his feet on the ground he quickly responded – my Dad!!

With the Tigers scoring well and both these players with goals in the bag we can look ahead to better days.

Allen Bagshawe

 

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