Steve Bruce has penned an open farewell letter to Hull City fans.

Bruce revealed that the last 12 months were extremely difficult and that it was best for all concerned that the Tigers move forward with somebody else at the helm.

The full letter was published in the Hull Daly Mail:

"It was with a heavy heart that I ended my time as Hull City manager on Friday. The four years I spent at the club were among the happiest times of my managerial career.

"The first promotion out of the Championship, survival in the Premier League and then the FA Cup final and European football were all fantastic times for me, my staff and my players.

"The relegation back to the Championship was hard to take but we all stuck together to win promotion through the play-off final at Wembley in May.

"If someone had told me the success we've had when I was appointed, I would have told them to give their head a bang. It wouldn't have seemed possible. As a group, we should all be proud of what we achieved.

"I desperately wanted to make it work this summer and be a Premier League manager again but, sadly, it wasn't to be. Nevertheless, I've left Hull City with some fantastic memories that I'll always cherish, including just eight weeks ago in the Championship play-off final at Wembley."