Sunderland v Hull City - George Honeyman stays positive for tough Tigers schedule

Covid-19 infections meant Saturday’s 2-0 win over Charlton Athletic was the Tigers’ first game since December 18 and it looked like they would be out of action again when today’s scheduled opponents, Wigan Athletic, were hit. But with a television slot to fill, the planned Boxing Day game at the Stadium of Light has been moved, the first of 10 or possibly 11 Hull games in 35 days.

“There’s no point thinking we’re behind in games or anything,” said midfielder Honeyman. “At times, football throws you weird things and we’ve got to take a positive mindset.

“We had a little break, came back and got a positive result. I got a little bit of extra time to recover from my injury.

“It wouldn’t have been great if we were off again so well done everyone getting this game on.

“On Christmas Day, I went to see my dad because his brother and his family, who lives in London, and my gran were all going to come over to his. Before the Prime Minister doubled down, he’d got all the food in.

“I went there and back in the day and it was lovely because I hadn’t been home for so long. Just to see my dad for the first time in quite a few months was good. We Facetime quite a lot but it’s not the same.

“It was weird not having a game on Boxing Day but it was nice to have a few more pigs in blankets.”

There were few reunions when the ex-Black Cats captain played at his old ground for the first time in September’s League Cup tie, which Hull won on penalties.

“It was weird,” said Honeyman. “I didn’t really enjoy it. You couldn’t even stay after the game and chat because of Covid so it was just another game, really.”

Hull start today second in League One, testament to how they have shaken off relegation.

“It was chalk and cheese to when I went down with Sunderland,” said Honeyman. “Sunderland was stripped to the bare bones – new owners, new manager, new squad; at Hull there’s been a fair bit of playing staff turnover but everything’s kept similar.

“We had a good season with Sunderland (reaching the play-offs) and it’s been a very good season so far with Hull but like then we’ll only be judged on whether we go up at the end of the season.”

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