AS any proud Hullensian worth his or her salt will be able to tell you, their home city has been twinned with the Sierra Leone capital of Freetown for more than a quarter of a century.
At a push, some will also recall that Kingston-upon-Hull has strong links with five other cities around the world, ranging from Raleigh in North Carolina and Japan's Niigata through to Reykjavik, Rotterdam and Scczecin in Poland. Whether these partne
rs are 'twin cities' or 'sister cities' depends on who you talk to.
However, one place that no one can recall Hull being twinned with is the East Midlands city of Derby – which judging by the build-up to the new season must be some sort of oversight with any mention of Hull on television, in the press or the radio having been immediately followed by the word 'Derby'.
It seems, if the pundits and experts are to be believed, the two go together as naturally as 'fish' and 'chips'. Or 'relegation' and 'fodder'.
But will that be the reality?
Of course, only time will tell how the Tigers adapt to life in the top flight during the coming months, but it is surely doing a huge disservice to Phil Brown and his staff to suggest Hull will be rivalling his former club Derby as the worst side in Premier League history.
There is a considerable gulf in class between the Championship and the top flight. The chances of Hull taking points this season off the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool – all clubs whose wage bills dwarf those of even established Champions League campaigners from around Europe, never mind a newly-promoted club – are remote.
But that is by no means the case when it comes to games against the likes of Bolton, Fulham, Wigan, Blackburn or Middlesbrough, never mind the two clubs promoted with the Tigers last May. Thaksin Shinawatra's troubles in his native Thailiand could also yet have major repercussions for Manchester City, while Everton have been noticeably quiet on the transfer front amid upheaval behind the scenes.
Okay, Sunderland may have spent £45m last summer to finish three points clear of relegation, but surely that was more a comment on the hit-and-miss approach of Roy Keane's spending – Michael Chopra for £5m anyone? – than it being a benchmark to guarantee survival.
The key is how funds are spent and on this score Brown can surely be happy with the defence looking solid following the arrival of one-time England defender Anthony Gardner to partner the much-improved Michael Turner.
Peter Halmosi's capture on the left flank is a sound one, while George Boateng brings plenty of experience to a vital area of the field – though there does remain a doubt as to whether a central midfield partnership with fellow 30-something Ian Ashbee will best suit Hull in a league where mobility is going to be a key factor.
The right flank is a slight worry with Craig Fagan yet to impress since his return, but the addition of Geovanni could prove a masterstroke.
It is understood the club's wage structure had to be shattered to bring the Manchester City man in, but it could prove a wise investment, especially with the Brazilian being a huge threat from free-kicks.
That leaves just the forwards and with new signing Marlon King having a point to prove – plus Fraizer Campbell's possible return from Manchester United before the end of this month – then there is every chance that Hull could surprise a few people this season.
And by that I do not mean accrue a point more than Derby managed last time around.
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