No wonder Hull didn’t want to play!

FRESH start, same old story for free-falling Hull who were plunged into the Championship’s drop zone courtesy of Jason Pearce’s stooping header and appear destined for a second relegation in three years.

Two bottom-half finishes followed their drop from the top flight in 2017 and Jarrod Bowen, the last remaining player from their Premier League days, was sold to West Ham for £14million in January. Without him, they seem doomed. Last month, it was revealed that Hull vicechairman Ehab Allam had written to the EFL and rival clubs to express his belief that the season should be voided. No wonder given one look at the club’s poor form this year. Their only win came on the opening day of 2020 and they managed just two points from 11 matches before the Covid-19 hiatus.

The sinking feeling only deepened when three senior players — captain Eric Lichaj, Jackson Irvine and Stephen Kingsley — refused to agree contract extensions to complete the delayed campaign and Marcus Maddison opted not to continue his loan spell.

But manager Grant McCann insisted: ‘If I didn’t have hope I wouldn’t be sat here. There will be lots more twists and turns.’

Lee Bowyer’s team carried much greater potency in the final third and, spared an early deficit when Jon Toral and Josh Bowler both placed headers wide, took the lead in the 18th minute.

Tomer Hemed created an opening down the right and picked out Aiden McGeady, whose effort from the edge of the area was tipped over the top by Hull goalkeeper George Long. From the corner, Hemed flicked on and Pearce forced the ball over the line with his head.

It proved to be the winner and meant the crucial three points went south.

As a result, Bowyer’s team leapfrogged Hull in the table. ‘It’s now in our hands. I believe in the players,’ said Bowyer.

Meanwhile, Charlton will provide information to the EFL in the coming hours to prove their new board under new chairman Paul Elliott is fit for purpose.