Source: Eurosport
Hull chief: We can win transfer poker
Hull chairman Paul Duffen claims he never had any doubt new players would eventually start to arrive at the KC Stadium.[LNB] The Tigers finally concluded their first signings of a frustrating summer in the transfer market as deals were agreed for Nigeria midfielder Seyi Olofinjana and USA striker Jozy Altidore.[LNB] Olofinjana, 29, arrives from Stoke for ¦pound;3million on a four-year contract while Altidore, 19, joins on a season-long loan from Spanish side Villarreal.[LNB] After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Barclays Premier League last season, Hull boss Phil Brown has been determined to strengthen his squad this summer but has failed in pursuit of a number of targets.[LNB] The new campaign begins with a trip to Chelsea in just nine days' time but Duffen insists there were no concerns.[LNB] Duffen said: "There has never been any anxiety in the football club. I know what happens in transfer windows and last season 82% of transactions happened in the last five or six days.[LNB] "It is very difficult to do deals early. Phil and I have worked two summer transfer windows together and on both occasions we have secured all the talent we were seeking.[LNB] "We have been successful, as proven by the results we have had in those seasons, and I don't have any doubt that we will do the same again this year.[LNB] "I understand why fans of any club are wanting things done immediately but the transfer window is the ultimate game of poker, you have got to keep yourself calm and patient. This is an example that some of those things are starting to drop."[LNB] Duffen later revealed they have agreed a fee with Newcastle for defender Habib Beye and now hope to meet with the 31-year-old Senegal international to discuss terms.
