Gems of the Lower Leagues: Robbie Brady

Just Football’s ‘Gems of the Lower Leagues’ series continues with a look at Hull City’s on-loan winger Robbie Brady. James McMath explains more about the Manchester United man who is fast-becoming a fans’ favourite at the KC Stadium.

Hull City have become quite partial to recruiting players from Manchester United.

They currently have six players in their squad who have either formerly played for the Red Devils or are on loan from them.

Defenders James Chester, and Joe Dudgeon, midfielder Corry Evans (brother of United centre-back Jonny) and winger Cameron Stewart were all signed by Tigers manger Nigel Pearson from Old Trafford. Defender Paul McShane, had already arrived at the KC – via West Brom and Sunderland – when Pearson arrived, having left United in 2006.

The other member of the ex-United sextet is Brady, who is on loan with the Tigers for six months.

On current form, he is arguably the best of the bunch – he’s certainly the most exciting. The 19-year-old Dubliner has featured in all 10 of the Tigers’ league games so far and posed a genuine threat to opponents in most.

The fact he has one goal and one assist to his name so far might not sound impressive, but goals have hard to come by for the Tigers. Brady has been involved in two of the nine they have scored.

And it’s not for the want of trying: Brady is comfortably City’s most prolific shooter – with 10 shots on target and 18 off target to his name. Striker Matty Fryatt is second on that chart with 15 on and two off.

Pearson has largely favoured a fairly traditional 4-4-2 formation, meaning 6ft 1ins Brady has largely been deployed as an orthodox winger. Brady’s goal threat has stemmed from the fact he often starts on the right flank, allowing him to cut in on his stronger left side and let fly. He has a vicious left boot.

As a left-footed winger coming through the ranks at Old Trafford, it’s no surprise Brady named Ryan Giggs as the United player he most admires. An Irish international at Under-17, 19 and 21 levels, Brady certainly has pedigree but he is not ready for United yet.

United and fans will hope Brady’s spell at City goes a someway to helping change that. If he maintains his impressive start to life in East Yorkshire, that will suit Tigers fans down to the ground.

Gems of the Lower Leagues, Hull City, Manchester United, Robbie Brady