Hull City’s captain earns the Vital Hull player of the month accolade
Hull City captain Ian Ashbee made several fantastic performances in September as his recovery from injury coincided with the club moving off the foot of the Championship table.
After spending almost a year out through a serious knee injury, there were fears the player may never play for the club again. Although he had set his sights on leading the club he captain’s out on the opening day of the season at West Brom didn’t happen, Ian Ashbee was able to lead his club out the tunnel at his boyhood club Birmingham City.
Immediately his presence was noted and although he looked rusty, it wasn’t surprising due to twelve months of inactivity. With Phil Parkinson now in charge of the club, one thing missing had been the traditional huddle before the match. The City fans hadn’t seen this but with Ashbee back in the side, the huddle was also back, showing the team unity as they strive to do well for their fantastic support.
His no nonsense tackling game was there and the fear of damaging his knee wasn’t there. He played as he always has done, fully committed. Not many people show the same desire that Ashbee does and his leadership can’t be beaten. His return meant the armband was handed back to Ashbee from previous captain Andy Dawson and it was great to see someone who could order people on the pitch.
Going into games away at Leicester and at home to Sheffield Wednesday, Ashbee was again instrumental as the club managed to record back to back victories, their first wins of the season.
60% of voters believed that Ian Ashbee was our man of the month for September, whilst Danny Mills came second and Jon Parkin third.
Danny Mills’ arrival from Manchester City has shored up the defence whilst Parkin’s goals have been the bright spot in the Tigers attack. However, Ian Ashbee’s emergence in the midfield is certainly one of the key factors, and will carry on being, as the Tigers look to move forward.
