The third installment in our series on Tigers greats features possibly one of the best foreign imports of his time, Viggo Jensen
Viggo Jensen
The Name Viggo Jensen may be unfarmiliar to many younger Hull City fans, but the quiet likeable Dane was a true rock during his time with the Tigers.
Born on 29th March 1921 in the town of Skaggen, Denmark
Viggo started his football career playing for his local team
Esbjerg Fornede at a time when the majority of Danish Footballers where still amateur, Viggo himself had a day time job as a Danish Goverment official.
When he joined the Tigers in 1948 he initially signed on amateur terms, but this was no reflection of his ability as he had already represented Denmark at international level making his debut for the national team in 1945.Indeed just before he signed for the tigers, he had played for the Danes in the 1948 Olympic Games where they eventually finished in third place beating Great Britain in a play off for the bronze Medal.
His debut for Hull City came on the 30th October 1948 in a 4-1 win over New Brighton in the old Third Division North, playing at inside right and getting on the score sheet.
In his first season he went on to make 34 appearances scoring 15 goals along the way as the Tigers won the Third Division North title.
In December 1950 he signed profesional terms with the Tigers, after already making over 70 first team appearances, a period which included his one and only hat trick for the Tigers in a league game against Halifax Town.
Viggo went on to play with the Tigers until eventualy retiring in 1956 after a club career that spanned 335 Games and 54 goals.He also made a total of 15 international appearances.
The great attribute Viggo had was his versatility,he made his debut as a right sided midfielder and ended his career playing on the left of defence,in between he had been used in just about every position except goalkeeper.
No matter where he played he always gave 110% and was a tireless team player,with craft and vision thrown in for good measure. Indeed there was only one season when his name didnt appear on the scoring charts.
When he retired in 1956 at the age of 35 he returned to his native Denmark to coach the club where he started his career.
Viggo is a true Legend and will be remembered as a totally committed player on the field and a true gent off it.
