McPhee Should Have Started

36% of voters in the most recent Vital Hull poll want to see striker Stephen McPhee play some part in the Tigers next fixture.

Despite fans calling for him to play at Colchester, Phil Parkinson again kept the striker as an unused substitute. Having played three reserve fixtures since returning from a fifteen month absence, McPhee may be in contention for Saturday’s visit of Southampton.

With the Tigers having suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at Colchester, Parkinson will be expected to turn around the fortunes of the club, and the introduction of Stephen McPhee may do just that.

Despite Nicky Forster scoring his first goal for the team on Tuesday night, the majority of City fans wish to see Parkinson adopt a 4-4-2 formation rather than the ‘negative’ 4-5-1.

However, the calls for his return are almost equal to those against, with 32% of fans saying that he shouldn’t be introduced to the squad yet.

The striker has endured a torrid time since arrived from Portuguese side Beira Mar and he must be eager to help the club out of their current predicament. With Michael Bridges injured and Nick Barmby featuring only as a substitute, Stephen McPhee must be given a chance sooner than later.

With Saturday’s game being a ‘must-win,’ it will be interesting to see whether Parkinson persists with a 4-5-1 formation, especially if we will persist with playing long-balls to Nicky Forster.

With Barnsley and Leeds meeting this week at Elland Road, the Tigers may find themselves seven points behind safety before kick-off. With three pressure already mounting on Phil Parkinson, it could be much more severe come 3 p.m.