Hull boss Phil Brown says he has no axe to grind with veteran Dean Windass who is one of eight players to be released by The Tigers.
Brown’s side remained in the top flight by the skin of their teeth on the final day of the season, and the reshaping of the Hull squad has begun in earnest.
The most notable names to be shown the door at The KC Stadium are Jon Welsh, Ryan France, Michael Bridges and Windass who is likely to join Darlington as their assistant manager.
Ironically it was Windass who scored the goal to promote Hull to The Premier League 12 months ago, but his decision to join Oldham for a loan spell this season, instead of Doncaster, was a miscalculation according to Brown.
“He was adamant he wanted to play, but I didn’t think he was fit enough to play in The Premier League aged 40 – that was our difference of opinion,” Brown told the Hull Daily Mail.
“I think he was foolish to take the Oldham position as opposed to a chance he had with Doncaster.
“That offer was ideal for him, Doncaster were playing good football, but needed someone on the frontline.
“Maybe then he’d have won another year or two in the Championship, but whatever he chooses to do, good luck to him.
“I’ve got no animosity or bad blood towards Dean Windass, but I wish it could have ended in a more poignant way.”