Nobody should ever forget what Dean Windass has done for Hull City.

After all, the 39-year-old effectively saved the Tigers from going out of existence when he was sold to Aberdeen back in 1995.

When the call came from Phil Brown in January 2007, he answered it – and again saved the club from relegation.

And on the greatest stage in English football in May 2008, the man who is lovingly known as “Deano” fired in the finest goal the new Wembley has seen to crown an historic day in Hull City’s history.

Forget about what’s happen since then, Deano is simply the greatest player ever to wear the beloved black and amber.

As a loveable rogue, fans could always see a small piece of themselves in the striker whenever he took the field. That’s not an easy thing to do in the modern day era of millionaire footballers.

But he knows exactly what it’s like to work in a factory. He knows all about Sunday League football. He knows about going out on the town for a few drinks. And, most of all, he knows exactly what Hull City means to its loyal supporters.

For all his faults, Deano has never changed since the day he became a professional footballer. He’s still someone who’s getting paid to do something he loves and would do for free – kick a ball about.

Past greats such as Ken Wagstaff and Chris Chilton may have conducted themselves with more dignity, but that’s what makes Deano special.

Would you ever have seen Waggy or Chillo drunk and standing on the top of a balcony outside Hull City Hall after leading his side to glory? No.

Chillo is the club’s leading goal-scorer – he probably always will be – but it is Windass who is adored by more than just one generation of City fans.

His two spells at the club have seen him enjoy the best and worst of being a Tiger. He has captured the hearts of people in this city for the best part of 10 years.

He was there when the cash had run out and the tax man was knocking at the door.

He was also there when Wembley was lit up by around 40,000 fans for the greatest day in Hull City’s history.

He will always be welcome back at the club and there will always be someone willing to buy him a drink somewhere.

Don’t remember him for the way he left, cherish him for what he’s always done.

Deano bleeds black and amber.