Glowing tributes to true Tiger Deano

THE Mail has been inundated with tributes from across the country to legendary Hull City striker Dean Windass.

It comes after Deano left the club to join Oldham Athletic in a bid to play regular first-team football.

Fans across the UK have paid tribute to the striker who made 271 appearances and bagged 89 goals for City, making him one of the club's most prolific marksman.

Neil Theasby, of Sheffield, said: "On behalf of thousands of fans I would suggest, beyond a shadow of doubt, the greatest player ever to play for the Tigers is Dean Windass."

Richard Hudson, of Hull, said: "Dean will always have a special place at the KC Stadium. From the day he returned to that magical moment at Wembley, he set the club on fire."

Ian Smith, of Hull, said: "A true legend through and through, you made many a grown man cry with your wonder goal at Wembley.

"You deserve a big pat on the back from every true supporter."

Gavin Leigh, of Hull, said: "Many thanks Deano for being a wonderful ambassador for Hull City. You are a legend."

Deano gained hero status when he struck the winning goal in the Championship play-off final against Bristol City at Wembley.

His wonder volley fired the Tigers into the top flight of English football for the first time in the club's 104-year history.

During his two spells at City, the Hull-born veteran was adored from the terraces of both Boothferry Park and the KC Stadium.

Deano has now dropped down two divisions and signed a loan deal until the end of the season for the Latics.

But with only six months remaining on his City contract, he has effectively played his last game for the club.

His departure from the club came at the end of a week when a war of words broke out between him and City boss Phil Brown through the media.

However, Deano insists he had not fallen out with the manager.

He said: "It is sad to walk away from Hull, but I've given it as long as I could and it's clear I'm not going to play for them in the Premier League.

"I've no problem with that, or with Phil Brown. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have had a second chance to play for the club I love and the opportunity to score a Wembley promotion goal."