Vaughan deal completes big week of business for Tigers as excitement builds for new campaign
By Simon Bristow
Hull City are continuing to lay firm foundations for the coming season by tying key players down to long-term contracts.
Young attacking midfielder Harry Vaughan has signed a three-year deal, including a club option of an additional year, City said today.
And on Wednesday, midfielder Regan Slater – the Tigers’ Players’ and Supporters’ Player of the Year last term – also committed his long-term future to the club, signing a three-year contract through to the summer of 2026, with a club option of a further year.
It completes a significant week of business for boss Liam Rosenior, following an announcement on Monday that Club Captain Lewie Coyle had penned a three-year deal, and with young goalkeeper David Robson signing a one-year contract on Tuesday.
Vaughan, 19, pictured above left, signed for the Under-21s on an 18-month contract in January, and was fast tracked into the first team after impressing Rosenior and starting the final five matches of last season.
A former Manchester United youngster, Trafford-born Vaughan appeared 40 times for Oldham Athletic prior to his move to East Yorkshire, making his EFL debut at just 16 years of age.
Rosenior said: “From the first day I saw Harry in training, I fell in love with his attitude, ability to take the ball and bravery to play.
“To come straight into Championship football and show his potential, I couldn’t have been happier with him. He’s someone who can improve even more and is going to be a real bright spot for the club in the years to come.
“The challenge for Harry is to nail down a place in the team for next season – a team that is hopefully pushing at the top end of the league.”
He added: “As a club, we’re showing our long-term ambitions by tying down our best young players and identifying the players who can take us forward.”
As well as ending any speculation around Coyle’s immediate future with his new contract, fans will have been delighted with the news on Slater. The 23-year-old, pictured above right, shone last term.
He played the most minutes of any City player and ranked second for goal contributions after scoring a career-best five goals and providing four assists in 44 league appearances.
Industrious and enterprising, Slater also won three penalties and showed his versatility by playing in wide, deep and attacking midfield roles, underlining his value to the team.
The first signing of Acun Ilıcalı’s ownership, Slater has been a midfield mainstay since returning to the MKM Stadium permanently in January 2022.
Racking up 96 appearances across two spells in East Yorkshire, he initially joined on loan from Sheffield United and was part of City’s 2020/21 League One title triumph.
Rosenior said: “Regan extending his contract shows the ambition we have at the football club to move forward and develop players.
“Regan was outstanding last season, playing in many different roles. When he moved back into central midfield at the end of the season, he showed a level he can attain and go beyond next season.
“Technically, he’s a very good footballer and he’s shown a lot of improvement in small aspects we’ve tried to add to his game. His versatility has been incredible, he’s selfless and works so hard for the team. He’s still very young and I believe he can go on to get more goals and assists.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with him and absolutely delighted to tie him down to a long-term contract.”
The Tigers begin the 2023/24 campaign with a trip to Norwich City on August 5, with the first home game coming with the visit of Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday on August 12.