Former Fleetwood Town defender couldn't turn down Hull City switch

Lewie Coyle admitted it would have been hard to reject Hull City’s interest after departing Fleetwood Town and joining the Tigers at the end of last week.
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The 24-year-old, who only joined Town permanently in January this year after three loan spells, has joined Hull for their first season back at League One level following relegation from the Championship last season.

Coyle made more than 130 appearances for Town as a loanee and then on a permanent basis, proving a regular under Uwe Rosler, John Sheridan and Joey Barton.

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His contributions were also recognised by his peers and supporters, picking up their awards in 2018.

Lewie Coyle left Fleetwood Town for Hull CityLewie Coyle left Fleetwood Town for Hull City
Lewie Coyle left Fleetwood Town for Hull City

However, the lure of his hometown club was too great and saw him agree to a three-year contract, moving for what Fleetwood described as ‘a substantial, undisclosed fee.’

Coyle told the Hull website: “It’s a proud moment for myself and my family to join my hometown club – one that has always been close to my heart.

“That was the big draw for me. As soon as I knew of the club’s interest, I was keen to get it done as soon as possible.

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“Don’t get me wrong, I loved my time at Fleetwood. I have nothing but praise for the guys there and it’s a great club. But, when these types of opportunity come around, it’s difficult to say no.

“It’s such a proud, proud moment for me, although it still doesn’t feel real.

“There’s been a lot of back and forth going on but for it to be finally done and dusted and to be sat here at the KCOM Stadium as a Hull City player is a fantastic feeling.

“I’m really proud to be here and I’m really looking forward to getting started.

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“I’m hoping it will be a successful season and I’ll give everything I’ve got for this club.

“I want to be part of the team and part of the squad that gets us back to the Championship.”

Hull dropped into the third tier for the first time since 2005 with relegation at the end of last season.

Head coach Grant McCann believes Coyle can help them to bounce back.

“Lewie is a fantastic addition to the squad,” he said.

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“Although he is only 24 years of age, he comes with a vast amount of experience having played more than 100 games for Fleetwood and was a key player in a side that reached the play-offs last term.

“He was highly thought of at Leeds where he came through the ranks and impressed in his first season of regular first-team football with Fleetwood in 2017/18, picking up the club’s Players’ Player and Fans’ Player of the Year awards.

“His attitude, commitment and desire to learn and improve is first class and – being a Hull lad – he will know what it means to the fans to wear the shirt.

“Just from speaking to him, the passion he has to do well for his hometown club is clear to see.

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“He can’t wait to get going, which is just the attitude you want to see from any player.

“We’re delighted to have him here and I can’t wait to start working with him and the rest of the lads when we return to pre-season training.”