Now several weeks into his new role as Assistant Head Coach, Neil McDonald has been afforded time to reflect upon the early stages of his Hull City career with Premier League clubs settling into the international break.
"The players are in a good frame of mind"
Despite a run of form that has seen just one win since August, McDonald stated that he is "very much encouraged by what I have seen so far and the players are in a good frame of mind". Always a challenge in a new role, the experienced campaigner admitted "I've enjoyed getting back into it and getting to know everybody".
The former Carlisle United and Blackpool manager is hoping to build upon his knowledge of the transition between promotion in the Championship and establishing a place within the top flight. McDonald recalled his experience with a certain London club alongside Sam Allardyce, stating "the last time was with West Ham, who got relegated and then came straight back up again. I’m very much encouraged by what I have seen so far and the players are in a good frame of mind".
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"We seem to have hit it off"
McDonald also opened up about how Mike Phelan offered the job and how their relationship has developed over recent weeks. He admitted “the first conversation was on the phone and he invited me across for a chat and to watch a game".
Since then McDonald believes “we seem to have hit it off. Mike has a wealth of experience and some great ideas so I’m looking forward to working alongside him". Phelan's assistant also hopes to lean upon his own knowledge and experience from a career built predominantly in England, but also after spells in Jordan and Sweden. He suggested "it’s been an eventful few years in terms of coaching, but hopefully I’ve got that experience to offer towards us getting the results that we need".