Permanent Deals

The first transfers have been made, as the deals made outside of the transfer window have now been confirmed. All three players were originally on loan deals but have all impressed enough to make the move permanent.

Billy Paynter has signed from Port Vale, costing the Tigers £150,000. Former Port Vale team-mate Sam Collins has also joined the Tigers in a deal costing £65,000

Billy has impressed since arriving. An old fashioned striker, he holds the ball up well and brings others into play. He has formed a good partnership with Craig Fagan, and has scored three goals in six Tigers appearances – his best coming in the 2-2 draw at Crewe Alexandra where he sent a shot from 25 yards out into the top corner to rescue a vital point.

Collins has settled in well at the back, and has already captained City on several occasions. Has formed a steady if unspectacular partnership with Leon Cort but has been found out in recent weeks against high quality opposition in the form of Leeds United and Sheffield United.

The third signing is John Welsh, who has moved from boyhood club Liverpool. After failing to make a break into the first team, he realised his chances were slim and looked elsewhere. Having played for Taylor in the U21’s, it seemed a natural progression for the player to make.

This deal also saw a player leaving the Tigers camp as teenage winger Paul Anderson moved to Anfield as part of a swap deal – and we wish him all the best in his future career.

We will have to wait and see about future signings, some of which are rumored to be concluded before the Aston Villa F.A Cup game – we can hope anyway. Deals should be concluded by the Tigers next league game at home to Crystal Palace on the 14th January.