Tigers still targeting survival

Duffen not getting carried away

Last updated: 8th October 2008

paul duffen

Duffen: Happy with start

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Chairman Paul Duffen has insisted that Hull's target remains survival despite their sensational start to the season.

The Tigers have beaten Arsenal and Tottenham in their last two games to climb to third in the Premier League table.

Duffen accepts that confidence has rocketed in recent weeks and feels that Hull could spring further surprises against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.

"Because of the way we have started the season, and in picking up wins at Arsenal and Tottenham, we will be playing Chelsea and Manchester United in a few weeks and we will be approaching both games believing we can win," Duffen told the Hull Daily Mail.

"Most of our fans will now be looking at our next game against West Ham and thinking it is a game we could win.

"At the beginning of the season people may not have been so positive. As long as fans go to games believing we could win, rather than we should win, then all will be fine."

Hull were widely tipped for relegation before the season kicked off but they have already collected 14 points.

No complacency

Duffen realises the importance of not getting carried away and would still be happy just to avoid the drop, but he has urged the players not to become complacent.

He explained: "I don't believe in changing targets. While I've never had a problem with exceeding targets, I have never been one to change them.

"Our targets are clear. We have 38 games and we try to win every one of them.

"If we get to 40 points by February it won't be job done and we won't slow down.

"The important thing is that we don't approach anything from the half-glass empty view of avoiding relegation.

"We are talking at all times about retaining our status and making us a permanent member of this division."