After their relegation from the Premier League last May, it was reported that Steve Bruce's future at Hull was in some doubt but over the course of 46 league games and two playoff fixtures, Bruce has proven that it was the correct decision for him to remain at the KC Stadium.
It was inevitable that Bruce would see some of his star men depart the club before the start of the season but not only did the Tigers recoup almost £25m in transfer fees, the players brought into the club have proven astute signings and throughout the entire season, Hull did not drop below fifth position in the standings.
Losing just two of their opening 17 league games set the tone and although there have been stages during the campaign where wins have been difficult to come by, Hull have always regrouped to maintain their push at the top of the table.
A period of just three wins from 11 outings between February 13 and April 9 cost them the opportunity to challenge for automatic promotion during the run-in but the fact that Hull bounced back with 13 points from their final six games said plenty about the players that Bruce has at his disposal.
The Jekyll and Hyde nature of their playoff semi-final against Derby County put their supporters through a wide range of emotions but when they prepare to watch their team take to the pitch on Saturday, they will do so having seen their club hold out for 54 minutes plus added-on time in order to move one step away from a return to the big time.
That belief may turn out to be priceless during the closing stages of this weekend's contest but Hull will hope that Abel Hernandez has already netted the goals to put his team out of sight.
It came as a surprise when Bruce was able to retain the services of the Uruguayan international but his 22 goals from 44 games in all competitions have proven the difference this season and one more clinical display from their talisman could be enough to give Hull the edge over their opponents.
It was inevitable that Bruce would see some of his star men depart the club before the start of the season but not only did the Tigers recoup almost £25m in transfer fees, the players brought into the club have proven astute signings and throughout the entire season, Hull did not drop below fifth position in the standings.
Losing just two of their opening 17 league games set the tone and although there have been stages during the campaign where wins have been difficult to come by, Hull have always regrouped to maintain their push at the top of the table.
A period of just three wins from 11 outings between February 13 and April 9 cost them the opportunity to challenge for automatic promotion during the run-in but the fact that Hull bounced back with 13 points from their final six games said plenty about the players that Bruce has at his disposal.
The Jekyll and Hyde nature of their playoff semi-final against Derby County put their supporters through a wide range of emotions but when they prepare to watch their team take to the pitch on Saturday, they will do so having seen their club hold out for 54 minutes plus added-on time in order to move one step away from a return to the big time.
That belief may turn out to be priceless during the closing stages of this weekend's contest but Hull will hope that Abel Hernandez has already netted the goals to put his team out of sight.
It came as a surprise when Bruce was able to retain the services of the Uruguayan international but his 22 goals from 44 games in all competitions have proven the difference this season and one more clinical display from their talisman could be enough to give Hull the edge over their opponents.
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