There was another fine turn out when we met in the 1904 Lounge at the Stadium. Our normal venue was not available due to the arrival of Hull Fair and the special School which is held during the Fair every year. We were also called together a little earlier than normal to enable our Guest Speaker to join us and he was none other than the Club Captain, Michael Dawson.
Before we started there was a wonderful surprise as the Club brought along the Championship Play-off Trophy that had been won at Wembley Stadium. For many this was a first sight close up and the opportunity to gather for selfies etc. was presented
Michael Dawson was welcomed to the meeting by David, our Chair, who then began to ask some searching questions of our guest. First question was checking on his progress from the pre-season injury that has kept him out of the team and we were delighted to hear that he was now back in full-time training and hoping for a run out within the next week.
Michael was then asked about his early days in a football mad family growing up in remote Leyburn, in Wensleydale. All three boys would play football and whilst Kevin’s progress was halted by injury his elder brother, Andy, had a most successful career with the Tigers. Michael, like his brothers, had joined the Junior network at Nottingham Forest and he would make his debut for them in 2002 under Paul Hart – taking his brother Kevin’s place in the team! He also received the MOM for that first appearance. After 8 years at Forest Martin Jol invited him to join Tottenham Hotspurs. There would be 9 successful years with the Spurs and four caps for England – but why not more???
The decision to move to the Tigers was one he found easy. He realised his opportunities at Spurs were likely to be limited and with a big ‘rap’ from brother Andy he joined Steve Bruce’s team in 2014. He spoke well of the great dressing room bond he found, even in that first season when relegation from the Premier came and how that bond carried over into last season and the successful return to the top table of football.
Members were invited to put their questions to Michael and there was no shortage.
Was his recent appearance on Sky as a summariser for a Spurs match in Europe an indicator of his future career? May be – but not yet!
Was he concerned about the referees clamping down on defenders holding opponents in the box? “I was never strong enough to hold anybody!” he replied but was supportive of the move which he felt was good for the game.
How shocked was he over the departure of Steve Bruce? He admitted to being shocked and mentioned that Brucie was a big reason for him joining the club but quick to give a really big rap for Mike Phelan and how magnificent he has been at the Training Ground.
Sam Allardice? Question ducked!!
Video Ref, as in Rugby League? He certainly saw the potential merits but was concerned about the stop/start potential to the game.
The new players? Ryan Mason needed no introduction having played with him at Spurs. Great signing and the Manchester pair of Weir and Keen were really promising.
Did he see potential England players in the current Tiger’s squad? He responded with Curtis Davies, Ryan Mason & Jake Livermore. Roll on the selectors!
Michael also explained a change in the rules when a player is injured by a foul tackle. Under the old ruling he was required to leave the pitch following treatment but now, if the opponent is booked by the referee for the tackle, the injured player is not required to leave the pitch.
Finally Michael was asked about his future plans beyond playing. He was undecided except that he really wants to remain in the game, coaching, media – “it’s the only thing I know!”
Following Michael’s presentation we had refreshments and opportunity for more photos with the Championship Play-off Trophy and then a short presentation by Ollie Izard from the Tiger’s Trust on ‘Walking Football’ and the announcement of a 6 week pilot session beginning on Thursday, 3rd November in the Airco Arena. The sessions will start at 10 am and cost just £3 (or £15 for all six weeks). Hopefully enough members will join up to ensure that it takes off and becomes a regular fixture. Our thanks were expressed to Senior Tiger member, Trevor Richardson, who had agreed to coordinate this along with the Tiger’s Trust.
