Scott heads home to discuss future with the Tigers
IT’S DECISION TIME AFTER DISAPPOINTING CAMPAIGN
Winger James Scott is set for talks with Hull City head coach Shota Arveladze and owner Acun Ilicali over his future at the MKM Stadium beyond this summer. Scott is set to return to the Tigers after spending the season on loan at Scottish outfit Hibernian, and with one year left on his deal with the East Yorkshire club, there remains doubt about his longer-term future.
The 21-year-old ended what had been a tough season at Easter Road by bagging a hattrick in the 4-0 win over St Johnstone on Sunday, adding to the goal he scored for Hibs in defeat to Dundee last week. He’s also clocked up an assist in recent weeks, too, in what has been a welcome confidence booster.
City head coach Arveladze revealed last month that he was unsure of Scott’s future with the Tigers, but the £1m January 2020 signing will return for pre-season training next month and plans to have conversations with the City management to decide what happens next.
“I’m trying to finish the season well and then focus on Hull,” Scott said. “I’ll have a word with the new manager and owner and, if they want me to stay, I will. But if not, I’ll just move on and keep working.”
Should he return to action at City, he may appear a little different from what fans remember since his last outing for the Tigers against Wigan Athletic back in early August, one of just two appearances this season - his first came on the opening day at Preston North End.
He said: “In my career, everything has mostly gone well, but this season has been a massive outlook.
“Every player will look at it a different way and I’ll definitely reflect on this in the future. I would rather have it now and get it out of the way and learn massively from it.
“I’d say I started the season decently and faded away. I came in when Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge were out but I wasn’t providing any goals and felt I had no luck with that. Nisbet is brilliant, came back in and did what he does. I’ve not had the greatest luck, but I’ve tried my hardest.
“I’ve put on a bit of weight and I’m not the tricky winger I was before. I still feel my ankle just now. These things happen and you have to adapt, but it’s been hard.”