Dunkirk spirit is Hull’s secret

Midfielder Shaun Maloney believes the Dunkirk spirit being shown in Hull has been key to their surprisingly positive start to the season.

On the face of it the Tigers are in disarray, with no permanent manager, a takeover deal in limbo and a severe lack of fit first-team players.

Yet they have won both of the Premier League matches so far this term, to give them a welcome stepping stone toward the magic 40-point mark that should almost certainly ensure survival against relegation.

And Maloney, who joined Hull City from Chicago Fire 12 months ago, has a theory as to why they are triumphing in the face of adversity.

“The fans have been really supportive to the players that are still here,” said the 33-year-old.

(Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“There’s been fans coming to training and wishing us well. It feels a little bit bigger than just the group now.

“It feels like the supporters understand the feeling that the players have and it’s the same on the other side.

“The players understand the frustrations the fans have had over the summer and it does feel like there’s a bond between supporters and players now.”