Phelan’s hopes of landing top job grow as Hull strike again
Mike Phelan is confident the Hull City board will make the right decision when it comes to appointing a full-time manager at the KCOM Stadium.
Phelan, who took over in temporary charge following the departure of Steve Bruce last month, led his side to a second successive Premier League victory courtesy of second-half goals from substitute Shaun Maloney and striker Abel Hernandez.
All he can do now, is to wait and see what happens. “I am sure the people will do the right thing,” said Phelan. “I think everyone knows we have decisions to make on my future, the future of the staff and the ownership. Hopefully those decisions will be taken soon. It could be a busy time. It was nice to hear the fans singing, ‘We want Phelan in.’ It’s better than hearing them singing, ‘We want Phelan out.’
Hull, who spent much of the game defending, won the day in the final 12 minutes. Maloney, who had only been on the field for six minutes, converted a Curtis Davies header from a Robert Snodgrass corner after 78 minutes, before the excellent Hernandez beat the advancing Lukasz Fabianski two minutes into stoppage time.
Phelan said: “I’m delighted, obviously, for everyone. I think the players enjoyed themselves today and I’m happy for them because they stuck to the tasks given to them.
“You have to have belief in your players and your club, although my experience tells me not to get too carried away. However, to win these first two games is very satisfying. We need to stick together and we will see where that takes everyone.
Swansea City manager Francesco Guidolin said: “I am disappointed with that. My dream was to win and I wanted to be on top of the table. But it was not a good day for us.
“We didn’t deserve to lose because we attacked for 95 minutes and Hull defended for 93 minutes, with 11 players behind the ball. It’s a step back and we have to return to our work on the training field.”