After that defeat to Boro, Hull had conceded 34 goals in 19 games, the second-worst defensive record in the league.
Since then, they have conceded just nine goals in their subsequent 12 games, with eight wins and six clean sheets in that run.
By the end of January, they had won more points and games, scored more goals and kept more clean sheets than during the entire 2024-25 season.
The Tigers are averaging 45% possession compared to 49% last season and making an average of 276 successful passes per game, 70 fewer than last time.
With Tim Walter and Selles last season the team scored two goals in what Opta football statisticians define as counterattacks; This season there are already nine.
Experienced striker Oli McBurnie, who has scored 12 goals in 22 league games this season, said the team is benefiting from the confidence the coach and staff have in the players.
“It hasn’t been like a dictatorship. Since they arrived, they have understood what football and English culture is about,” he told BBC Radio Humberside.
“They will have a conversation with you. Obviously the manager has the final decision, but they have been brilliant.”
“They understand the league and they understand that we know the league and that our opinions matter and having Dean [Holden] It’s huge for them.”
