Pearson adopts positive stance to home ills

After winning just seven of 23 Championship games at the KC Stadium last season, the Tigers have started 2011-12 with three straight defeats on home soil.

To add to the concerns of the Hull faithful is that in those trio of reverses, which include an embarrassing 2-0 loss to League Two Macclesfield Town, their side failed to find the net.

It means the pressure will be on tomorrow when play-off finalists Reading come to the East Riding.

In the wake of last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, manager Nigel Pearson admitted a change of style may be needed to turn round his side’s home form.

Expanding on that theme yesterday, the Tigers’ chief said: “It is about being more positive really. Maybe at times we can mix it up a little bit more.

“We have had a lot of possession in our home games so far so it is more about us trying to force the issue and make the tempo a little bit quicker.

“We have got to find the answers. The players work very hard on the training field and give their best when they go out on the pitch but it is not quite happening for us.

“Unfortunately for us, our goals record at home is such that it puts us under immense pressure. We have simply not scored enough goals. What I would say is that we have had a lot more chances in home games this season but so far we have not taken opportunities when they have arisen. We still remain positive.

“The mood in the camp is still very good. We want to put it right at home. It is not a case of being overly nervous about it.”

Hull have netted just two goals in five games this term and Pearson added: “Our inability to score remains the biggest problem for us.

“You can look at it positively and say we are controlling more of the game and creating chances but that’s not enough. I don’t sense that there is a collective anxiety about it all. It is frustrating for us because the players want to do well but we have just got to try and be as free as possible when we go out there. We will get the fans behind us if we go out there and perform and that is what we have got to do.”

Hull record signing Jimmy Bullard has joined Ipswich Town on a two-year deal following the termination of his contract at the KC Stadium earlier this month.

Asked about Bullard’s departure, Pearson said: “I have nothing to say on it.”

Hull have decided not to offer a contract to trialists Martin Woods, a former Leeds United junior, and Marc de Val Fernandez after the pair appeared for the reserves.