Grant McCann promising Hull City to sign 'proper leader' as he looks to change the culture

The Tigers meekly bowed out of the Championship at the end of last season, taking six points from the last 60 available.

Having kept his job and retained a large section of the squad, head coach McCann is looking to change mindsets for a promotion push this season. Hull returned to pre-season training on Monday, and the bulk of that work will take place on a training camp in Scotland this week.

“We know we weren't good enough, it's as simple as that last season and that's everybody – I'm at the head of it,” said McCann, reflecting on last season. “We all take accountability for that.

“Now we've got an opportunity to set targets, set goals, change the culture. That is one thing that's big on the agenda for me and the players will see a lot of that this week as we head on a pre-season training camp.

“It will be a tough week. We're going up to Scotland's national training centre to train for a week, which is always good, especially when you've got a couple of new signings and one on the way. They can get in, know the group and we can set the culture, our targets, our goals and start working towards that. It's a good week ahead.

“We want to try and right the wrongs of last season and have a good season this year. Hopefully we can try and bounce back.

“It was a disappointment towards the back end of the season but we're all positive, we're all looking forward to the season ahead.

“The message in the camp is can we bounce back? That's what the boys will hear this week, that is the aim, that is the target.”

Hull released Nouha Dicko, Markus Henriksen, Jackson Irvine, Stephen Kingsley and Eric Lichaj in June, plus Will Mannion, Robbie McKenzie, Kevin Stewart and Jon Toral at the end of the season.

Others could yet follow, with Premier League clubs including Leeds United linked with Leonardo Da Silva Lopes, and LA Galaxy thought to be leading the suitors for Jordy De Wijs. Fellow centre-back Angus MacDonald is yet to agree a new contract, with apparent interest from other League One and Championship clubs.

Hull have signed Hull-born Lewie Coyle and former Rotherham United loanee Josh Emmanuel. More signings are planned, with a player who can lead the culture shift imminent, according to McCann.

“We're recruiting very good characters into the group and there's going to be another one on the way in the next couple of days as the fans will see,” he promised. “We talk about characters, this one is a proper character, a proper leader, so we'll look forward to welcoming him as well.

“(Right-back) was an area of concern after lockdown when Eric wasn't going to play for us again, and when Eric was injured during the season. For us to go and recruit early in that position, two players who know the division very well and the one above – Josh has had a promotion with Rotherham and Lewie's been in a successful team at Fleetwood, he's been player of the year there and I think they're sorry to lose him. We're just delighted to have him.

“The two of them will fight each other for that right-back slot and it gives us good competition.

“Lee (Darnbrough, the head of recruitment) is working very hard, and the scouting team. We need to add some more bodies to the group. The midfield's an area where we need to strengthen, so we're looking at that, but there's one or two areas we're looking at as well.

“The targets are in mind but with the salary cap coming into play, it's not as easy as it was. We just have to be patient. We don't want to be rushing into ones that we don't particularly want so we'll be patient to get the right one.”

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