Rumour mongering

Two fresh rumours reach us today about possible dealing that Hull City are set to do in the transfer window. With the financial position appearing a touch bleak, the emphasis remains very much on selling peripheral and unused players who give little in return for a big wage, rather than buying anyone.

However, the word that Kevin Kilbane and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink may be departing for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Middlesbrough respectively does not sound like great business by the Tigers if it is true.

It is all unsubstantiated and very easy for people to make up - each of these two players would be rejoining a former manager if they did make their respective moves. Kilbane played for Sunderland and the Republic of Ireland under Mick McCarthy, while Vennegoor of Hesselink was a target man at Celtic under Gordon Strachan. It seems that these are the only reasons why these alleged deals have come to the fore, and so far there is nothing from any club in question confirming - or denying - their feasibility.



Kilbane is clumsy, flat-footed and much maligned (and he was absolutely dire against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup at the weekend) but he is useful for both versatility and experience, and does seem to have a demeanour that suggests adversity is something he has learned to thrive on throughout his career. This may be all too crucial a commodity within the City squad over the next few months. And if there are injuries in up to four different positions on the park, he is around to fill any of them.



Vennegoor of Hesselink has become a quiet favourite among the supporters simply because, for all his lack of mobility and one-dimensional play, he can put the ball into the net. He has been mainly a substitute this season but has made an impact of a kind almost every time he has come on, while he too provides experience in a position where his contemporaries are still very raw, very unused to their surroundings or just very out of favour with the hierarchy.

Though both are established professional footballers at a high level, one can't believe that they are among the absolute top earners, even though Vennegoor of Hesselink may have been offered a few quid more than others as there was no fee to pay for him. Money may be tight and readies may need to be acquired, but there are surely better ways of fundraising than selling these two.