HECTOR HAPPY TO SEE ADKINS AGAIN
NIGEL Adkins’ appointment as new Hull manager was music to the ears of onloan defender Michael Hector.
Hector spent six years at Reading before his shock move to Chelsea in September 2015, but his Royals debut didn’t come until midway through the 201314 season – when he was recalled by Adkins from a loan spell at Aberdeen.
The former Southampton and Sheffield United chief replaced sacked Russian boss Leonid Slutsky on Thursday, and 25-year-old Hector is confident the Tigers’ new manager is the right man to arrest their stuttering fortunes.
“It was under him that my career at Reading really started, because he was the one that gave me my chance to impress and the chance to show what I was capable of, something which I will always be grateful for,” said the Jamaica international, who is on loan at Hull for the season from Premier League champions Chelsea.
“Obviously, my time playing under him was cut short in the end, but the overall experience of doing so was very pleasurable.
“He always comes in with a smile on his face. He always wants his players to be positive and show their personalities, which is key.
“Working day-to-day with him was a good experience. He puts his views, points and philosophies across well and I’m looking forward to having that again here.
“With the situation we find ourselves in, I think he will come in and help the group an awful lot.”
Adkins, 52, arrives at Hull with his new side having recorded just four wins in 20 league games before the weekend, but Hector believes he and his teammates can turn things around.
He added: “We need to get back to enjoying our football again and play and train with a smile on our faces.”