Jakirovic has lifted fans and players' spirits

BUT THERE'S STILL WORK TO DO

- By BARRY COOPER

Mason Burstow's powerful header sealed a 1-0 win for Hull City in their latest preseason outing at Stockport County on Saturday, to make it four successive victories.

For City and their supporters who are going through a difficult period off the pitch, having another success to enjoy has raised spirits less than two weeks out from the beginning of the new Championship campaign.

While plenty of questions remain about City, new head coach Sergej Jakirovic is certainly enjoying a fine summer period as he continues to get to grips with English football and his new surroundings.

Here, the Mail takes a closer look at the Tigers Edgeley Park success...

Momentum is building

Yes, it’s only preseason and whatever happens with results, fans and pundits will say it doesn’t matter. To an extent results matter little because it's all about fitness and preparations for the new season, but for City, the case is a little different.

For the past 12 months the club has not had a winning mentality. Winning any kind of game has not come easy, so to win four in a row raises spirits and creates a little bit of momentum, especially with the negativity around the club regarding concerns over its finances and the ongoing situation with the transfer ban appeal.

There will be sterner tests to come, of course, and that will come tonight when Sunderland visit, but Jakirovic has lifted spirits amongst fans and players alike and created some positivity amongst a fan base who were at their wits' end a couple of weeks ago.

Lack of midfield control