Bruce holds the key in Hull Tigers naming row, says FA chairman Dyke

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has hinted that Hull manager Steve Bruce could hold the key to the club’s controversial rebranding proposal.

Owner Assem Allam wants to change the team’s official name from Hull City AFC to Hull Tigers, incorporating their nickname in a bid to attract greater commercial interest from overseas.

The idea has been greeted with opposition by many fans, with protest groups formed and frequent chants of ‘City Til I Die’ at home games.

Key man: FA Chairman Greg Dyke says Steve Bruce could hold the key to Hull's controversial plan

Opinion: Hull City supporters have called on FA Chairman Greg Dyke to over rule the name change

PRSOCHWITZ JOINS TYKES ON LOAN

Hull City striker Nick Proschwitz has joined Championship side Barnsley on loan. The 27-year-old German forward has only started five league games in the last 18 months, although he has been used in cup ties, including the FA Cup third round tie at Middlesbrough earlier in the month. Barnsley boss Danny Wilson said: ‘We’re hoping he will bring goals and we think his experience will help us.’ Meanwhile former Hull boss Nick Barmby’s son Jack has joined League Two Hartlepool United on loan from Manchester United. The 19-year-old promising midfielder is expected to make his debut at home to York City on Saturday. By Colin Young



But Allam has forged ahead and has lodged an official request with the FA to complete the name change in time for next season.

The governing body must sign off on the plan for it to go ahead and are currently accepting submissions from interested parties ahead of a decision - possibly as early as next month.

Dyke insists all sides will be heard but believes the experienced Bruce is a voice that carries considerable weight.

'It needs FA permission to change the name and the FA Council will eventually make the decision. There’s been a request and the FA are considering it,' Dyke told the Yorkshire Post.

'Obviously, there are a lot of fans who made their thoughts clear they don’t want it. We will be taking everything into account and we’ll see. Steve Bruce does the manager’s job and he’s done it well in a few places and he’s done a brilliant job at Hull.

'I’d be interested to know if it bothered him or not.'

Controversial: Hull owner Assem Allam wants to change the name of the club to the Hull Tigers to help grow their worldwide brand

Bruce has attempted to play peacemaker in the row for much of the season and has vowed not to speak publicly on the matter until a verdict is reached.

His past pronouncements on the subject hint at a deference to Allam’s wishes, though, with Bruce particularly keen to underline the level of the Egyptian’s investment in the club as well as his charitable work in the community.

Meanwhile, Hull defender James Chester is out for six weeks with a hamstring injury.

The central defender was withdrawn after just 15 minutes against Norwich last weekend and scans have revealed he suffered a recurrence of a problem that kept him out earlier in the season.

On the move: Hull striker Nick Proschwitz has joined Championship Barnsley on loan

Chester was sidelined for over two months with the initial complaint and manager Steve Bruce anticipates he will not be ready for first-team action until March.

'James has damaged the tendon again, the one that he damaged at the start of the season,' said Bruce.

'It’s not as bad as it was the first time he did it, but it’s still a concern because it is the same tendon high up in his hamstring.