Profile: Of all the foreign players who have been associated with Hull City, there is a strong case to suggest that it is Viggo Jensen who is held in the highest of esteem and affection. There is an equally strong case to suggest that he was the most adaptable of players for his positional CV took in an extensive range of berths. A likeable and modest Danish government official, he signed for the Tigers initially as an amateur, turning professional in December 1950. This was no reflection on his ability, for he was already a Danish international of some experience, making his debut in 1945 against Sweden and his last match being the 3rd place play-off in the 1948 Olympic Games in London, against Great Britain. It fact it was during this competition that the possibility of him joining the Tigers was explored. He made a total of 335 League and Cup appearances, an honourable achievement in itself, and an indication of the ability and consistency displayed by Jensen during his nine year spell at Boothferry Park. It was only in his final season at the Club that he made less than 30 appearances. What the figures do not show however, is the versatility that ran parallel with the aforementioned attributes. He began his career with the Tigers as an inside-right. He ended it as a left-back. It was not a direct journey, for he reached his final destination via a number of positions in defence, midfield and attack. In each position he gave tremendous value, not only in terms of skill and endeavour, but also in terms of commitment. Such talent also extended to his goal-scoring capabilities, there being only one season, 1950/51, when the name of Jensen did not appear amongst the goals. He scored on both his League and Cup debuts, and in one spell went on to score in seven consecutive matches. Given this background, it is perhaps a surprise to discover that his City career contained only one hat-trick, against Halifax Town in February 1949. He retired in December 1956 and returned to Denmark, where he went on to coach his former team. Jensen can be regarded as a truly great player in the annals of Hull City but, equally as important, he will be remembered as a gentleman as well. |
