Shota urges Tigers to write ‘new chapter’ in tricky trip to Bristol City

‘LET’S WRITE A NEW HISTORY’: Shota Arveladze. Picture credit: Hull City

By Simon Bristow

Hull City have been urged to write a “new page” in the club’s history on Saturday, by keeping a clean sheet in a win at Bristol City.

The Tigers head into their final away game of the season knowing a win would take them above the Robins in the table.

As well as the added spice of their opponents being managed by former City boss Nigel Pearson, the game also presents a chance to win at a ground that has been historically unlucky for the Tigers.

City have only recorded one win at Ashton Gate in the last 23 years, and have not held a clean sheet there since 1959.

When the grim statistics were raised by Hull Live’s Barry Cooper in an online press conference today, City boss Shota Arveladze said he was not aware of them.

But he said in response: “Thanks for that anyway, I can use somehow, saying listen boys … it could be a good challenge to start statistics again, start a new history, make a new page.”

‘EXCITING FUTURE FOR THE CLUB’: George Honeyman. Picture credit: Hull City

Arveladze described Pearson’s men as a “direct”, “dynamic” and “strong” team, noting that their front three already have 37 goals between them and are “difficult to play against”.

City have no new injury worries, although fit again midfielder Randell Williams will not feature, Arveladze said.

Midfielder George Honeyman, who has been in superb form this campaign since recovering from an ankle injury, said the motivation for the match was simple.

He said: “We’re still foot to the pedal. I think we’re quite lucky that they’re the next team above us in the league, and we beat them we go above them, so that’s every motivation we have.

“The gaffer’s not taking his foot off the gas, we’re not as a group, and it’s an awfully long way for our fans to be coming to watch so we want to send them home happy and give them another decent away performance.”

The combative midfielder said he was “immensely proud” of what the club had achieved this season, comfortably retaining their Championship status on their return to the division.

Honeyman also said that with the expected summer investment from new owner Acun Ilıcalı “it could be a pretty exciting future for the football club”.