Manager Steve Bruce reflected happily on his decision to stay with Hull City after they secured immediate promotion from the Sky Bet Championship.
Following their relegation from the top-flight at the end of the 2014/15 campaign, Bruce offered his resignation to Hull chairman Assem Allam. However, the request was dismissed and Bruce opted to stay at the KCOM Stadium — a decision justified following Saturday’s Play-Off Final victory over Sheffield Wednesday.Read more: Match Report: Hull City 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday
“I offered my resignation because we failed,” said Bruce, after the 1-0 success at Wembley. “I knew how difficult a time it would be. It’s the most difficult period after you get relegated. There’s a financial hole to fill and there’s an uncertainty about it all.
“Thankfully the owner didn’t want me to go. I had a long, hard think about things and whether I could repair the damage. Now, sitting here today, I’m very, very pleased with the decision.”
The win under the arch secured Bruce a fourth Championship promotion, but the 55-year-old was starting to believe that it would be the Owls, rather than his Tigers, taking their place in English football’s top tier.
“We had five or six gilt-edged chances and when I saw Robbo [Andy Robertson] knock that one over the bar then I thought it’s not going to be our day. But Diame has produced that bit of magic and I’m pleased for him. It was a wonder goal which would grace any cup final or play-off final, it was terrific.
“The last four times I’ve been in the Championship I’ve managed to get out of it, but it’s not all about me — it’s about the club and how we move forward. I have to dedicate it to the chairman who couldn’t make it today, his ill health concerns us all, and for him I’m very, very pleased.”