Wolves vs Hull: Nigel Adkins is steering a course towards safety

Adkins is the fourth man to take charge at the KCOM Stadium since Steve Bruce left in the summer of 2016 and is desperate to provide some stability to the Tigers. He has done a decent job so far too.

From their last six games, Hull have picked up two wins, two draws and two losses – giving them a bit of breathing space in the fight against the drop, with seven Championship games to go.

The former Southampton chief signed an 18-month deal upon his arrival in December, following the dismal reign of Leonid Slutsky, but appears to be looking even further than that.

“I have said it all along, you need stability if you are going to build something,” said the 53-year-old.

“I speak with several managers and they say the same thing.

“They can be doing well, but it might have taken them three years to get the squad of players they wanted. You have got to get through the transfer windows and get your philosophies across. That takes a period of time.”

The Tigers head to Molineux on the back of a 0-0 draw with Villa on Saturday.

Adkins has heaped praise on centre-half Michael Dawson for his display in the game.

He may be rested tonight, though, as the Hull gaffer said: “I might not play him on Tuesday and utilise the squad of players.

“Again, I am looking at the lessons I have learned from the defeats and three games in a week and six games in a fortnight scenario.

“Michael has been carrying some little injuries like several of the players do which maybe people sometimes don’t see.

“But he has got an influence on the team, which has an importance and a value.”

The Tigers have a former Wolves favourite in their ranks in Nouha Dicko, who left Molineux for East Yorkshire last summer.

The striker has not been included in the last two squads but could be involved as Abel Hernandez is not believed to be fully fit and could be rested for Saturday’s visit of QPR.

Ex-Manchester United youngster Fraizer Campbell is another forward option.

Sebastian Larsson – a player with plenty of top-flight experience – is expected to start while Scottish international Allan McGregor should be between the sticks.

Defender Angus McDonald is a doubt after he limped out of the stalemate with Villa.

Moses Odubajo, Stephen Kingsley and Evandro are still to prove they are back to full fitness. James Weir remains a long-term absentee for Hull.

It would not be surprising to see Adkins’ charges sit back and try to hold out for a point, after successfully doing so against Villa.