City appear to face long spell of EFL scrutiny

BURSTOW'S EXIT IS NOT GOOD OPTICS FOR A SQUAD WEAKER THAN WHEN SEASON FINISHED

- By BARRY COOPER

Mason Burstow’s departure for Bolton Wanderers on loan on Monday was another turbulent moment in what has been yet another chaotic summer at Hull City for a club who are craving a period of calm when things run smoothly.

Burstow was a surprise signing last summer when City paid Chelsea £2m to bring him to the MKM Stadium. His return of just two goals before Christmas in 31 appearances was hardly value for money, and his exit is probably not a great surprise in the grand scheme of things.

In fairness to the 21-year-old, he started just eight games and was largely played out wide.

Under Tim Walter, Burstow had a rough time and only started to show his potential once the German had gone, scoring in the defeat at Middlesbrough in the first game after the German's exit.

His next came in Ruben Selles' first home game in charge when he curled in a delightful winner against Swansea, and that was that.

He's a young player who needs time and patience. He also needs to be played in a position where he can impact the game. At City, when he played often off the bench, there was little in the way of output in a side that lacked any creativity. Hopefully, with the Trotters, he will find some form and consistency.

The problem City have is not the fact Burstow has been allowed to go - he was a Selles decision away from leaving in January ~ but the optics of the move, especially given he scored at the weekend, don’t look great for the league’s most impotent side. Now, Kyle Joseph is their only senior striker, along with the unproven youngster Tyrell Sellars-Fleming.