Surely it isn't a crazy idea to have an authentic centre forward on the pitch at the start of a Premier League game?
Hull City have chosen not to bother for the last two matches, and it shows. For all Craig Fagan's qualities as a worker and irritant, his capabilities on the ball are vastly limited. There is something not at all comprehensible about trusting exclusively a forward player who lacks the ability to shoot, pass, cross or bring a ball under full control with one touch.
This blog doesn't intend to ambush Fagan over his shortcomings, nor does it question his effort or honesty. But in the Premier League there are qualities that are absolutely necessary, and Fagan does not have any of those. If a role is to be found for him, he needs to be in a harrying position wide on a flank, using his pace and admirable stamina to badger the opposition. Yet even that doesn't require him to have any special skills with a ball.
Fagan has ploughed a lonely and rather harrowing furrow over the last two games. He had one golden chance to score against Blackburn Rovers and flunked it, to the surprise of nobody. Against Arsenal he was on a hiding to nothing but still looked hopelessly out of his depth, something more apparent when Daniel Cousin came on and proceeded to dominate the air with ease and strength. Fagan's industry and dedication are never in question, but they are merely a smokescreen to a proper lack of talent at this level.
One hopes that Phil Brown has the gumption to realise this before Manchester United visit the KC Stadium on Sunday, especially as their defence is totally ripped apart by injuries and midfielders with little tackling or marking experience are having to step in. Others have exploited these deficiencies and it's City's turn next.
Brown has to look at using two of the proper strikers in the team. Cousin, Jozy Altidore, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Kamel Ghilas - all deserve to be there ahead of the man currently holding on to the role. The game may still be unwinnable in City's current mindset, but there is barely any point in trying if there isn't a single proven goalscorer to be seen; indeed, it becomes close to conning the supporters.
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