Deano's dad: 'He'll be back as manager'

John Windass has one message for fans mourning his son Dean's transfer – he'll be back.

John, of Anlaby Common, is convinced Deano will achieve his ambition of coming back to manage Hull City.

He told The Mail: "He has all his coaching badges and he has said he wants to come back and have a go at managing City.

"I think it's something he is determined to do and I don't think this is the last City will see of him."

Dean phoned his father late yesterday afternoon to break the news of his transfer.

Mr Windass said: "He phoned me up to tell me he was going to Oldham on loan and, hopefully, picking up a permanent deal.

"He is excited, although he is sad to be leaving the supporters here. Dean loved the fans and I think they loved him too."

But Mr Windass believes that the lure of regular football was too much for Dean.

He said: "You could offer him £1m a week to sit on the bench and he just wouldn't take it.

"He wants to get his boots on and get out there on the grass.

"Dean has been the same since he was little, and I have watched him since he first kicked a ball.

"He is only happy when he's playing football.

"I think he has a good year left in him and I know he is not going to Oldham to be second best. He will want to prove that there is plenty left in him.

"Dean will play football as long as his legs will carry him."

Deano was set to be named in Oldham's squad for today's game against Hartlepool – another club that showed an interest in signing him.

In your Mail today: 12 pages on Deano's departure including special tribute supplement.