There were 14 players in action at Wembley on May 24th last year as Hull City achieved promotion to the top flight for the very first time. Where are these heroes in their careers now?
Boaz Myhill - flawless goalkeeper on the day at Wembley, despite a number of strong challenges from Dele Adebola designed to rough him up, Myhill is still probably Hull City's number one, even though Matt Duke, his faithful deputy since the League One days, currently curries favour on the teamsheet.
Sam Ricketts - solid and superb right back all last season, he was expected to adapt to the Premier League quickly this campaign, but has largely struggled. After a handful of nervous, error-strewn displays, he dropped to the bench as Brown brought in Paul McShane and only returned, on the opposite flank, when Andy Dawson picked up his injury. Now re-established at right back after McShane's recall by Sunderland and slowly getting back to his old self.
Andy Dawson - assured and dependable left back who is wonderfully comfortable in the Premier League despite his long history in the lowest divisions. Dawson's form has been superb all season and he was missed greatly when a nagging Achilles injury kept him out for 11 matches. His stunning tackle on Theo Walcott at Arsenal remains one of the most enduring images of the season.
Wayne Brown - robust, mouthy and vital defender who has only had one chance to play in the Premier League, a chance he failed so dismally to take that his manager decided he had seen enough. Now on loan for the remainder of the season at Leicester, where he will be exceptional, prior to a permanent move in the summer.
Michael Turner - player of the year for the last two seasons, the elegant and immaculate centre back is well on the way to getting a third gong from the supporters in a row. The only player to appear in every Premier League minute of the Tigers' season, his strength and unwillingness to be bettered by bruising international forwards has seen him tipped for England honours, something which even Fabio Capello himself seems to have acknowledged is possible.
Ian Ashbee - the leader of men is still just that, and despite occasionally looking completely out of touch when trying to pass the ball, is still as committed and as energetic as ever in a spoiling midfield role, and although the team could cope without him, it's hard to imagine it ever happening, nor would we want to.
Bryan Hughes - a secondarily effective midfield performer last season who was fortunate to play at Wembley, he has been very much peripheral this season, despite his previous Premier League experience, and his only start has been as Ashbee's replacement when the skipper was suspended at Manchester United. Has had little chance to be effective when appearing as a sub but may still prove useful for his nous at this level.
Richard Garcia - seemed more equipped than most to shine at Premier League level after a resourceful and exciting campaign last season, but has found himself wanting on most of the occasions he has been selected to play. His wide right role has been conclusively snatched away by Bernard Mendy, and he has had to be content with bit-part roles as a sub or as an out-of-position striker. Worth holding on to, though, given Mendy's facility to go insane and the rebirth of Craig Fagan as a centre forward.
Nick Barmby - gatecrashed the promotion party after an injury-hit season, he has again been a mixture of crocked and influential this season, playing some blinders on the strength of his reputation as much as his ability, but still struggling with annoying strains and knocks which render him unavailable. Out of contract in the summer and worth wondering if he'll be allowed to leave.
Fraizer Campbell - the glorious Wembley day was his last appearance in a City shirt but it's no secret that the club want him back from Manchester United, permanently, and it seemed more than possible that this could happen in the August transfer window before Spurs hijacked the deal as a condition of letting Berbatov go. Played poorly against the Tigers in October and seems destined for the bench at White Hart Lane after Harry Redknapp re-signed two established strikers of yore. Expect City to chase him again in the summer.
Dean Windass - hoisted by his own petard by scoring the winning goal at Wembley and securing the promotion to the Premier League to which he would simply be not good enough to contribute. Has at least achieved the feat of becoming the Tigers' oldest ever goalscorer after dodgily being awarded a goal at Portsmouth in November, but his season has been about complaining and bleating on his ITV blog about his poor treatment, and his departure on loan to Oldham has restored the serenity of the place. Don't be surprised if he is recalled for some late season cameos though, especially if and when security for another year is confirmed.
Craig Fagan - on a sub at Wembley, the decision to re-sign Fagan on loan from Derby last season was a surprise which became an apparent clanger when he steadfastly managed not to impress a soul. However, he was duly brought back permanently in the summer, and news of an injury during his loan spell, plus a particularly good range of pre-season displays gave fresh hope that the League One superstar could yet be a Premier League stalwart. Started well before busting his leg at Newcastle, and is now back in the groove and playing his heart out, though his finishing is still as suspect as ever.
Caleb Folan - on as a sub at Wembley, Folan made history as the scorer of the winning goal in City's first ever Premier League match (and, to wit, first ever Premier League victory) but has been unable to contribute since. He has had injury troubles but his season has been defined by being remarkably off the pace, forever offside and being shown conclusively by Daniel Cousin how to play as a tall marksman against world-class defenders. Interest from QPR was laughed off but if they or anyone else came back for him now, it seems likely he will be permitted to leave.
Dean Marney - on as an injury time sub at Wembley after being unluckily injured in training before the play-offs began, Marney had a fine season, littered with his usual array of spectacular performances and utter stinkers, and he has maintained this in the Premier League. Part of the fabled 4-3-3 formation which made the Tigers everyone's friend, Marney's form dropped after (coincidentally) he signed a new contract and has found himself dipping in and out of the side. Lately he has rediscovered his appetite for strong midfield runs and clever distribution, and just needs a goal now.
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