Hull City: QPR and Sheffield United evidence means Ruben Selles transfer demand must be met | OneFootball

Hull's new additions have gone on to make strong first impressions and that theme must continue

Hull City have been the most active club across the winter transfer window in the Championship, with more changes still expected ahead of Deadline Day on February 3.

In a period which is notoriously difficult to do business in, the Tigers have added six fresh faces to their ranks thus far in the form of Matt Crooks, Joe Gelhardt, Nordin Amrabat, Kyle Joseph, Lincoln Henrique and Eliot Matazo all coming through the door in Ruben Selles' first window in charge.

Meanwhile, exit talk still surrounds the likes of Anthony Racioppi and Chris Bedia, whilst City have also bid farewell to former Brighton loanee Carl Rushworth, whilst Ryan Longman departed for League One promotion hopefuls Wrexham in a reported £500,000 deal and Ryan Giles' switch to Middlesbrough was confirmed on a loan basis.

Of course, the variety of deals in the window so far point towards both short-term solutions in Hull's bid to stave off relegation after an inconsistent start to the season, as well as hinting towards what is possible in the future under Selles if they are to remain a Championship club in the final 17 games.

And, whilst Acun Ilicali hasn't been afraid to state his ambitious plans as owner across his three-year tenure, several flashpoints and performances against QPR, and in particular, the statement 3-0 victory over Sheffield United proves exactly why the club's recruitment strategy this January deserves praise, and must continue in the window's final days.

City supporters have often clamoured for the need to bring in second tier experience over continental flair, particularly in their current predicament.

The duo of Crooks and Gelhardt are just two names who can offer such requirements, despite being at completely opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of appearances, whilst Joseph has a point to prove at this level after only making 10 appearances for Swansea City before departing the South Wales side.

Across the M62, Leeds United supporters have at times voiced their frustrations when the 22-year-old Gelhardt hasn't been handed the chance to prove himself under Daniel Farke, who has continued to persist with the more experienced option of Patrick Bamford behind Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe.

And, in the first two outings of his loan stint 60 miles east, the Liverpudlian has already provided several major talking points, largely through his tremendous lob over QPR's Paul Nardi with minutes to go in the 2-1 home defeat last week, before his dynamism and energy was key on the transition as Hull netted two of their three strikes in the Steel City during his 75-minute cameo.

Crooks was also handed his first start in Black and Amber and rounded off one of those fine counter-attacks with a sublime curling effort which left Michael Cooper helpless, as he also won plenty of battles in the middle of the park against the likes of Harrison Burrows and Sydie Peck.

In comparison, Joseph's performance went under the radar, but the striker who signed from Blackpool also led the line superbly before being replaced by Joao Pedro after Matty Jacob doubled the advantage, as his physical presence and link-up play saw him win four of his 10 duels against the usually imperious duo of Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson, as well as showing glimpses of his pace.

It also looked like a baptism of fire for Matazo, who was announced as a Hull player just two hours before kick-off whilst also being thrust straight into the squad. But, the Belgian midfielder showcased exactly why he'd featured 60 times in Ligue 1 and thrice in the UEFA Champions League with a composed performance across his 35-minute cameo.

Ruben Selles' admission highlights short-term recruitment focus for Hull City

A section of Selles' post-match press conference at Bramall Lane was devoted to those who had recently joined the club, with Lincoln Henrique the only recent recruit not involved in the matchday squad.

The former Reading boss was quick to sum up the efforts of his recruitment team, who have identified a cluster of players so far who synergise with his footballing and cultural ideologies.

"I think the club has made a big effort in the market to support the team and bring the players that fit the style and football that we want to play and fit the character we want to create in the dressing room," he said.

"That's what we showed today with Eliot (Matazo), with Crooks, with Kyle Joseph starting the game," Selles continued.

"Bringing that energy and the way to play football in the way we understand it."

"We identify the quality they have as players and the qualities they have as a person, and we knew Joe could be a big, big character in our dressing room," Selles added.

When asked about the qualities and characteristics of Gelhardt in particular, the 41-year-old was also quick to stress that the former Wigan Athletic man wasn't alone when it came to showcasing them, as City's dominant performance sent shockwaves across the Championship.

"He's a really honest player that's going to give us everything, and so are the others we are bringing in the market, like Kyle, Eliot, Matt, they are players who have the footballing ability," he continued.

"But, they are coming here to prove how good they can be, and they did."

Character references aren't exactly an uncommon theme in the world of modern football, it is clear that this facet is key for Selles when it comes to identifying targets, with the ex-Southampton head coach always referencing the need for warrior-esque performers on the pitch, which his team typified from one to eleven in S2.

Hull have also been linked with the likes of Charlie Taylor, Murray Wallace and Sorba Thomas in the last seven days, with Selles and the club remaining confident that deals for the Saints full-back and Huddersfield Town winger will both be finalised, as personal terms with the Welsh international are said to have been agreed following his omission from FC Nantes' squad against Lyon on Sunday afternoon.

Regardless of whether those who are now publicly linked with the club see moves materialise or not, Selles' transfer demand of highlighting players who can make an immediate impact in the Tigers' fight against the drop must continue.

Taylor and Thomas' pedigree also aligns with the need for further second tier experience and quality, and if both deals can be struck, they too could provide a key difference in the first of Hull's remaining games, which is a six-pointer against Stoke City on home turf next Saturday.