Hull City 2 Swansea 0: More to come from Tigers, says Pearson

Owner Russell Bartlett and head of football operations Adam Pearson successfully renegotiated transfer payment schedules with Fulham and Stoke City and this not only persuaded the Premier League to release Hull's first relegation parachute payment of 9m but it also allowed them to make an eve-of-kick-off signing.

What an astute move it proved as Tottenham teenager John Bostock lifted a mediocre game with a cracking strike against a Swansea side who had also been interested in signing him.

Bostock, operating behind lone striker Richard Garcia, had already seen a sighter whistle past the post when he took a return pass from fellow debutant and right-back Nolberto Solano, produced a clever turn to lose his marker and let fly with a left-footer which beat goalkeeper Dorus De Vries inside his left-hand post in the 23rd-minute.

Foolishly, the 18-year-old collected a booking for ripping off his shirt in celebration but there was no way he was going to release it from his grasp as he celebrated after the game, following a couple of stitches to his left eyebrow damaged by a Swansea defender's elbow.

"I had a great time. I was delighted to win, get the three points and a clean sheet but to score a decent goal as well caps it off," said Bostock, who is on a season-long loan.

"Solano played me a great ball and when I got the turn on, there was only one thing in my mind. It's right up there with any goal I've scored and to get it at the KC Stadium was an amazing feeling.

"It's one of those things you dream of as a kid. Sometimes it doesn't feel real and you blink and say 'Did that really happen?' The crowd are there to reassure you that it did happen. It's hard to explain the feeling but it's something special."

Bostock had trained with the Tigers all week and had tried not to let the uncertainty over the move affect his preparations.

"The deal happened late but I'd been around the club all week and everyone had made me feel very welcome. I was ready to play and I prepared as though I was going to play.

"The technicalities have to be done between the clubs but as a player you have to be focused and prepared.

"I think there were maybe one or two other clubs in for me but as soon as I knew Hull were interested, there was only one place I wanted to come. There was no doubt in my mind. I heard a whisper that Swansea were interested so I thought that I would just show them."

Bostock is quite happy to take a step down to further his career, adding: "Spurs are a very big club so it's difficult there. You have to be a bit more patient but as a kid, all you want to do is play football at the highest level and show your ability. I have that chance here and I'm relishing the opportunity this season.

"The manager (Nigel Pearson) really wanted me and he told me that if I came I would be a big player who would get his chances to help the club.

"The manager has stated his ambition and that's to get promoted, there's no two ways about that. We've got the ability and we know what's it like to be a Premier League club."

Of his future prospects, Bostock adds: "Spurs are one of the biggest clubs in England and patience is going to be needed.

"Ahead of me at Tottenham are some of the world's best players but football is a game where you never know what will happen.

"I'm not going to think too much about the future, though. I'm here at Hull for the season so I'm going to work hard and see what comes of it after that."

Bostock's silky, intelligent performance overshadowed the return of captain Ian Ashbee, who crowned his return from a 16-month injury nightmare by smashing home Hull's second goal at the far post in the 50th minute when Anthony Gardner's shot had rebounded into his path off the back of De Vries following an inswinging corner from Garcia.

It left the Swans, whose new manager Brendan Rogers not only had four key players missing through injury but who also lost Blackpool target right-back Angel Rangel in the pre-match warm-up, with no way back.

Former Sheffield United winger David Cotterill was always a threat and there were some menacing runs from midfield by Darren Pratley but the few times Hull were under threat came from their own defensive ditherings.

Centre-backs Gardner, who saw a bullet header fly over the bar in the first half, and Kamil Zayatte tightened up after the break with the latter making some fine blocks and a goal-line clearance from substitute Shefki Kuqi leaving goalkeeper Matt Duke with a quiet afternoon.

Manager Pearson had fielded a blend of youth and experience with club product Tom Cairney and Beverley-born flank player Will Atkinson, 21, given starting roles and young player of the year and striker Mark Cullen coming off the bench along with 20-year-old Dubliner Jamie Devitt, for his debut.

With free agent James Harper (broken metatarsal) and striker Craig Fagan (groin) yet to feature, there is reason for optimism and if Hull can offload 45,000-a-week Jimmy Bullard, then the manager may also be given scope to make further new signings especially now that namesake Pearson has already slashed the wage bill of 38m by over a half.

MATCH FOCUS

Hero: Ian Ashbee

No one would have thought the captain had been out of action for 16 months the way he controlled midfield on his comeback from a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament followed by a degenerative bone disease in his femur, which threatened his ability to walk. #

Villain: Dorus De Vries

The Swansea goalkeeper wrecked his side's comeback hopes by making a hash of an attempt to catch a 50th-minute corner which led to Ian Ashbee blasting in Hull's second goal.

Key moment

23rd minute: Teenager John Bostock celebrates his arrival at the KC Stadium from Tottenham with a glorious strike in front of the North Stand.

Ref watch

Mick Russell: Tried to play the advantage rule but seemed harsh in decision to book Nolberto Solano.

Verdict

New manager Nigel Pearson must be heartened with the way the precarious financial situation is being handled but will be aware of a pressing need for more firepower.

Quote of the day

If there is a positive to come from relegation it is that the youngsters will get an opportunity that they might not have had.

– Hull manager Nigel Pearson talking about his emerging crop of young Tigers.

Next game

Millwall v Hull City, Championship, Saturday, 3.0pm.

Welcome to the Yorkshire Post's exciting match-day service, called Match Centre. Here you will find minute-by-minute updates, stats and team formations. Plus reports from every game in England, from the Premier League down to the Blue Square Premier.

Simply select your game from the pull down menu, then click on the 'i' information button on the right of the fixture and it will give you access to everything you need to know about your team.

So if you can't make it to a game, head for the Match Centre and we will give you the best seat in the house. Click the link below.

For the latest team news, score and commentary from your team check out our new Match Centre