Hull duo rejoice in promotion

Local lads delighted to earn Premier League football for City

Last updated: 24th May 2008

Dean Windass Hull City Championship Play off Final Bristol City

Windas: Hull's matchwinner

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Hull duo Dean Windass and Nicky Barmby have spoken of their delight at steering their hometown club to the Premier League.

A tight Championship play-off final saw Windass' fabulous first-half volley earn Hull promotion at the expense of Bristol City.

Despite being in his 39th year, Windass proved he remains a class act with a Man of the Match display and at the final whistle he paid tribute to the travelling Hull masses.

Surreal experience

"It's unbelievable, I don't think there is anyone left in Hull," he told Sky Sports.

"It's absolutely surreal. I can't believe it - to score the winning goal - but it's not all about me.

"The defence were fantastic. We fully deserve it, we've worked hard all season and got our rewards."

When quizzed on whether he had ever scored a better goal than his 201st, Windass replied: "Not at Wembley.

"Fraizer Campbell picked me out and I volleyed it - unbelievable. It's absolutely fantastic.

"I'm delighted for the coaching staff, for Nicky, for everyone."

Career highlight

Barmby, a former England international who earlier in his career enjoyed spells at Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton and Middlesbrough, claimed helping Hull to the top flight for the first time in their 104-year history ranked amongst his finest achievements.

"It's right up there, it's amazing," said Barmby.

"Your hometown club, never been in the Premier League - it's unbelievable.

"It means everything; it has a knock-on effect for the kids to see Premier League football.

"We're going there and we're going to compete but we'll worry about that when we get back for pre-season."