Hull City: Grant McCann on why he thinks Tom Eaves’ equalising strike against Blackpool can be turning point for Tigers

HULL CITY coach Grant McCann hopes his struggling team have reached a turning point after they salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to Blackpool.
By YP Sport
Published 29th Sep 2021, 11:45 BST
Hull City manager Grant McCann shows his frustration during 1-1 draw with Blackpool at the MKM Stadium Picture: Mike Egerton/PAHull City manager Grant McCann shows his frustration during 1-1 draw with Blackpool at the MKM Stadium Picture: Mike Egerton/PA
Hull City manager Grant McCann shows his frustration during 1-1 draw with Blackpool at the MKM Stadium Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

The Tigers have not won since the opening day of the season and remain in the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone. But McCann is hopeful his players can now kick on after substitute Tom Eaves scored late to earn his side a point.

He said: “I hope it drives the players on to a new lease of life from now on. If we can keep creating opportunities and be positive, things will hopefully change.

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“We dug it out and I think we deserved a point. Our performance levels have been good and I’m a big believer things will turn around. You can either hide under a rock or you can get on with it. We’re learning on the job but I thought we controlled the game for large spells. Credit to the players. They stuck together and we could have won it.”

GET IN: Hull City's Tom Eaves celebrates scoring the hosts' equalising goal against Blackpool at the MKM Stadium, Hull. Picture: Mike Egerton/PAGET IN: Hull City's Tom Eaves celebrates scoring the hosts' equalising goal against Blackpool at the MKM Stadium, Hull. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA
GET IN: Hull City's Tom Eaves celebrates scoring the hosts' equalising goal against Blackpool at the MKM Stadium, Hull. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

Blackpool were the better side for large parts, especially in the first half, and impressively kept the hosts at arm’s length.

It was not a huge shock when Neil Critchley’s men took the lead after 42 minutes after Shayne Lavery scored with an acrobatic volley.

Blackpool looked set for a third win on the bounce once Hull captain Lewie Coyle was sent off for a second bookable offence after 80 minutes. Yet Hull were curiously energised with 10 men and scored a well-worked equaliser through Eaves four minutes later.

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McCann said: “I know we need to be better in the forward areas but the boys stayed really calm. It was disappointing to lose Lewie but the boys rallied. I’m pleased for big Tom because he’s deserved that.

“We’re a young squad and it’s been tough for the last few games but we think it will turn.”

Related topics:Grant McCannLewie CoyleBlackpoolNeil Critchley

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