My Granddad took me to my first game against Sheffield United on New Years Eve, 1977. We won 3v2. The atmosphere was both electric and intimidating. We sat in the Best Seats with a case of Long Life for my Granddad, my Uncle and their friends.

I was hooked and would get to as many home games as possible. From the age of 13 this included away games. I took an extended lunch from school to walk to Boothferry Park, a 4.5 mile round trip. I arrived back at school having to explain my lateness but overjoyed at having secured 4 FA cup tickets for me and my friends.

In the mid 80s, it was all about fashion and football. Lois jeans, Pringle and Burberry jumpers, adidas trainers. I set up a little car cleaning service to fund my football and fashion.

I had watched from the terraces in 81 with just 2 or 3,000 others, during our darkest days.
Then in came Don Robinson in 1982 to save the club from receivership. He proclaimed that “We’ll get into the third division next year, the second division after that and then the first division,” he said in a TV interview. “We’ll be playing in the European Cup and if there’s going to be a team playing on the moon then we want Hull City playing on the moon.”

Colin Appleton started the revival. Brian Horton continued it. Memorable days but that’s another story in itself.

Then we jump to November 2006 and Phil Brown takes over as manager. Phil was a larger than life character but his passion kept us up with a memorable win against Leeds.

He dared to dream and that dream was realised after 104 years of trying. 2008 was the beginning of our greatest days. For me, Wembley 2014 versus Arsenal in the FA Cup was something I thought I’d never see. A British and Irish team of honest and skilful footballers. Steve Bruce at the helm. 2 nil up and if, if only, Alex Bruce’s header had gone in???

Fast forward to 2022 and a new dawn under Acun Ilicali. A self made millionaire and more importantly, a football fan.

The new pricing structure he has introduced is spot on, as is relocating the away fans to the North East corner. We can now pack the North Stand and create an atmosphere to spur our team on at home.

The Chairman wants ideas so please keep the live draws based on seat numbers and loyalty. Prizes should be money can’t buy experiences, such as spending a match day in the Director’s box. Training with the players. Travelling with the team to an away game. A fans’ game prematch?

We need to continue to invest in our excellent academy. We want to see home grown players coming through. KLP. Brandon Fleming and Jacob Greaves should be at the core of our squad. Sean McLoughlin came in and has performed well. Lewie Coyle returned and earned his place. George Honeyman has earned a contract. Add some experience to this young squad, a quality striker and a leader in midfield and we can be in the top six.

Shota proved himself as a top striker at Rangers and Ajax. A quiet but intelligent man and I wish him every success.

We dared to dream in 2008, so fasten your seat belts and get ready for take off. Your Captain is Acun Ilicali.
#UTT.