Hull City signed two new goalkeepers in the transfer window
Hull City’s relationship with goalkeepers has been a complicated one of late. The much-discussed disagreement between owner Acun Ilicali and manager Liam Rosenior regarding Ryan Allsop’s selection played out a little too publicly, albeit after the fact.
Ivor Pandur’s backing by the chairman was then followed by two summer arrivals to complicate selection matters. Former Switzerland Under-21 international goalkeeper Anthony Racioppi arrived after a deal with Young Boys was agreed, opening the door for the 25-year-old to sign on a three-year contract.
With Thimothee Lo-Tutala and Harvey Cartwright already on the books, City had a new quartet that looked set to provide suitable cover and competition in the goalkeeping department. And then on transfer deadline day, four became five when the Tigers pounced on an opportunity to bring in Brighton and Hove Albion keeper Carl Rushworth on a season-long loan deal.
Read more: Quiet optimism for Hull City after ‘crazy’ transfer window and young signings
A former England under-21 keeper who played every minute of last season’s Championship campaign while on loan at Swansea City, Rushworth arrives with no guarantees but a clear expectation in his mind that he can earn the number one spot and keep it for his season at the MKM Stadium.
“I want to play and knowing there was interest and how the team plays in possession, it will favour me and my attributes,” was Rushworth’s take when giving his immediate thoughts to the club on signing
The 23-year-old from Halifax suits City boss Tim Walter’s style, perhaps more so than his four challengers for the number one shirt and he’s keen to point out his biggest strengths to aid City’s cause of climbing the table.
“I’ll bring energy and feed off the fans,” adds Rushworth. “My in-possession game is one of my strengths, along with my shot-stopping. The manager wants me to play mixed football – really nice from the back, but also know if there are advantages further up the pitch that playing one ball into the final third is better.”
Only signed on deadline day, Rushworth was not involved in the squad for the Leeds United defeat on Saturday but is expected to take his place in the squad for the clash at home to Sheffield United when the Tigers return on Friday September 13. The question is, will he be in the starting XI?
