Despite only making their top flight debut in 2008, some incredibly gifted players have played for Hull City over the years.
Former Hull City midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha
The second in our series of Hull City polls, we are asking supporters who they feel is the most technically gifted footballer to ever don the black and amber shirt. The Tigers have spent the vast majority of their existence outside English football’s top flight, but often punched above their weight in terms of signings, particularly when it comes to great players who have past their peak.
In recent years the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa and Jay Jay Okocha have taken to the pitch at the KCOM Stadium, two players widely regarded among the most naturally gifted of their generations, blessed with all the skill, technique and flair in the world.
Going back more than half a century ago, England greats Raich Carter and Neil Franklin both graced the Hull City team in the same era, and both were two of England’s finest ever natural talents in their respective position. Here are 10 of the most naturally gifted footballers to play for Hull City, followed by a poll where you can vote for whoever you believe ought to come out on top.
Mural of former Hull City player Raich Carter in Hendon
Jay-Jay Okocha
Jay-Jay Okocha’s time at Hull City, much like a few of our nominees, was brief. The Nigerian legend was well into his 30’s when he arrived in East Yorkshire, but all of the flair and flamboyance was still there. He played just 18 times, many of those cameo appearances, as Hull City won promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history in 2007-08. His game time was heavily restricted by injuries, but there was an enormous sense of excitement every time the former PSG man took to the field.
Hatem Ben Arfa
Some Hull City fans may begrudge Hatem Ben Arfa of his place among these nominees, as he certainly didn’t show his finest football in a Tigers shirt. However, in terms of sheer ability, it would be disingenuous to overlook the Frenchman. Recently voted the club’s most disappointing signing of the last decade, Ben Arfa is arguably as gifted as the likes of Neymar and Ronaldo, but his career has been one of failed potential.
Read: Hull City fans name club’s most disappointing signings of last decade
Geovanni
Geovanni celebrates scoring for Hull City
Samba star Geovanni arrived at Hull City during the summer in which Jay Jay Okocha departed the club, and in many respects filled the void in terms of skill and excitement that existed following Okocha’s release. Geo, as he was often referred to, took the Premier League by storm in his first 6 months, scoring a number of delightful goals. A former Benfica, Barcelona and Brazil midfielder, Geo has to be among the most gifted men to ever play for the club.
Raich Carter
A legend of English football, Raich Carter lost many of his finest years to the war, but still managed to rack up 7 goals in 13 caps for England and become the only player to win an FA Cup before and after the war. His best years were spent with Sunderland and Derby, but even past his prime, Carter was arguably the greatest player to ever play at Boothferry Park. He scored 57 goals in 136 games for the Tigers as a player-manager.
Neil Franklin
Brought to Hull City by his former England teammate Raich Carter, Neil Franklin was the most expensive defender in world football when signed by the then Second Division Tigers. His arrival was a sensation, following his ill-fated spell in Colombia, which had left him shunned by both Stoke City and the England national team. Franklin played 95 games for Hull City, suffering awful injury woes, but is still the finest defender to ever play for the club.
Mo Diame
Mo Diame celebrates scoring the goal to win promotion for Hull City
A controversial inclusion, perhaps, Mo Diame left Hull City for Newcastle United in the summer, and has hardly set the world alight at St James’ Park, but he is still a wonderfully gifted footballer. Diame was a force of nature in the Premier League when he first arrived at the KCOM Stadium, but was quickly sidelined with a nasty injury. Upon his return he was at times inconsistent in the Championship, but still scored the all-important goal to win promotion back to the Premier League.
Stan Mortensen
The only man to have scored a hat-trick in an FA Cup final, Stan Mortensen is another player who’s best years were behind them when he arrived in the city of Hull, but he was still comfortable among the club’s star performers, aged 34 when he joined the club. A prolific forward best known for his 14 years of exceptional service to Blackpool, Mortensen scored 197 goals in 317 games for the Tangerines and a further 23 goals from 25 caps for England. In 2 years at Boothferry Park, Mortensen managed 18 goals in 42 outings.
Nick Barmby
Nick Barmby in action for Hull City in the Play Off Final
The only Hull-born player to be nominated, Nick Barmby was born in East Yorkshire but came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur. He went on to play for Middlesbrough, Everton, Liverpool, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and England, before joining his boyhood club in League One at the age of 30. Barmby was far too good for the third tier, but the Tigers were promoted at the first time of asking and the 23 time capped winger was soon playing for his local club in the Premier League.
Peter Barnes
The fifth and final former England international to be nominated, Peter Barnes’ time at Hull City was particularly brief. Best known for his time with Manchester City and West Brom, Barnes also played for the likes of Real Betis and Manchester United before joining Hull City in 1988. Capped 22 times by the England national team, Barnes was a real flair player who could produce moments of magic on a football pitch. His attitude and application was questioned at times, but rarely his ability. He made just 11 appearances for the Tigers before becoming a journeyman of epic proportions.
Billy Bremner
A rare image of Billy Bremner playing for Hull City
Widely regarded as Leeds United’s greatest player of all-time, Billy Bremner arrived at Hull City in 1976 for just £25,000, aged 33, following 16 years at Elland Road. He spent 2 years at Boothferry Park, making more than 60 appearances, but struggled with niggling injuries throughout much of this time. Whilst Bremner is perhaps best known as a battler and bruiser in the heart of a rugged Leeds United team, he was also a very skilful footballer, an excellent passer of the ball and capable of scoring the odd goal too.
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