Ipswich v Hull City: Title battle is just beginning, says Steve Bruce

The pack of clubs chasing football’s Holy Grail do not want for managerial experience when it comes to winning a place in the top flight.

Sean Dyche and Chris Hughton – in charge of second- and fourth-placed Burnley and Brighton, respectively – have one promotion from the Championship apiece to their names, while Mick McCarthy steered Sunderland up in 2005 and then Wolverhampton Wanderers four years later.

The Yorkshireman also reached the play-offs twice, with Millwall in 1994 and Ipswich Town last May.

Eclipsing even that impressive CV, however, is Bruce, who has three promotions at this level to his name already and is hoping to add a fourth this term.

“The biggest thing I have learned (during those promotions) is how difficult it is,” said Bruce when asked if his past experience in taking Birmingham up, twice, and Hull in 2013 could swing the balance in the Yorkshire club’s favour over the next three months.

“I hope it counts for something, but it is not a given because I have been there and done it before. Having said that, I am sure all the other managers are feeling it so, like any sort of experience, it should stand you in good stead.

“Experience always gives you a little advantage but, make no mistake, Chris (Hughton) and Sean (Dyche) will also know the rigours of what is around the corner.

“It is just starting. In another month, it really gets going. There are probably half-a-dozen clubs who are looking at the top two.

“Some might look at it and think about a late run, meaning there are probably six (clubs) going for two positions.”

Bruce’s side, fresh from an impressive goalless draw at Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round, face a testing week.

After taking on McCarthy’s Ipswich tonight, sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday await on Friday night at the KC Stadium.

The Hull chief is expected to revert to the starting XI that drew 0-0 with Brighton & Hove Albion a week ago after making 10 changes in the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium.

Only Curtis Davies has started the last two games and the Tigers defender admits this is a big week for the East Yorkshire club.

“If the manager reverts to the team that played the Brighton game then we will be relatively fresh,” said the 30-year-old. “That is important, as we need to get wins under our belts again. We had a good run of form in January, but it has been a defeat, a win and a draw in the last three league games. That is not bad but we want to make sure we stay at the top for the remainder of the season.

“It is a big week for us. Ipswich will be difficult and then it is Sheffield Wednesday, who I have said before are the team to look out for.

“You are not going to find any games easy at this stage of the season, whether it is a rival or a team fighting relegation. But you have to go and win them.

“Hopefully, it can work in our favour that Ipswich are still playing for something so that they don’t just set up not to lose.”

Ipswich Town, like leaders Hull, were not in league action over the weekend. In their absence, the results involving the clubs chasing promotion were something of a mixed bag with Burnley and Derby County both winning, but Brighton and Carlos Carvalhal’s Owls slipping to defeat.

For Hull, the challenge is to take the momentum of Saturday’s battling display at Arsenal back into the league.

“Going to Arsenal and getting the result we did should give us a lot of confidence,” he added. “A lot of lads got the chance to show the gaffer what they can do. He now has got big decisions to make with the games coming up, as to who comes in and who goes out.

“Having another game (so soon) is a slight hindrance, but when you are getting results like we got at the Emirates, it can only give you confidence for the league games coming up. Hopefully, we take that into Ipswich.”

Hull are still waiting to finalise the date for the Arsenal replay despite further negotiations yesterday between the two clubs and the FA.

Regardless of when it is held, Hull’s schedule will be a gruelling one, but Davies insists the Championship club’s strength in depth will be a major plus.

“We have a tough schedule,” he added, “but that is the Championship. We have got a fully-fit squad and I believe we can cope with it.

“It is just about making sure we maintain the standards we have set and pick up points along the way.”

Last six games: Ipswich Town DLLWLL Hull City WWLWDD.

Referee: B Malone (Wiltshire).

Last time: Ipswich Town 1 Hull City 2; April 13, 2013; Championship.