Following the departures of Danny East and Sonny Bradley from Hull City this week, we take a look at the eleven remaining players who are now out of contract and provide our opinion on whether they have a future at Hull City.
Mark Cullen
A scorer on his Premier League debut, Mark Cullen immediately made headlines after progressing through the City youth ranks. Two Premier League appearances at the end of the 2009/10 season were reward for a player who had impressed in the reserves in a season which had generally few highlights as City suffered relegation from the Premier League.
Cullen made his league debut for City against Wigan Athletic before also featuring in what currently stands as City`s last top flight fixture, against Liverpool at the KC Stadium, having made his senior debut earlier that season, also against Wigan in an FA Cup tie.
Since 2010, the striker has found opportunities difficult to come by, making 24 appearances for the club in total, the majority of these coming from the substitutes` bench. Cullen has had a number of loan moves in recent years including spells at Bradford City, Bury (twice) and most recently Stockport County. Cullen scored 4 goals in 16 appearances but could not stop Stockport`s relegation from the Football Conference.
Verdict: No future with Hull City – will be signed by a League 2 side.
Andy Dawson
34 year old Dawson has celebrated his testimonial season at the club with a second promotion to the Premier League having been involved in four promotions since joining from near neighbours Scunthorpe United in 2003. Dawson has arguably achieved more honours than any other City player in the club`s history and, in his first season in the Premier League, became one of four City players to represent the club in all four English divisions.
The left-back has been a dependable servant to Hull City and has notched up 293 league appearances with the club, scoring 8 goals. As well as his promotions, Dawson also has a player of the year honour (2006/7) and has captained the club on many occasions.
With Steve Bruce`s tactical change this season, Dawson has found his first-team opportunities impended while the early season form of Joe Dudgeon and then Robbie Brady meant Dawson only featured seven times in the 2012/13 season.
A player who is keen to move into a coaching role upon the culmination of his playing career, Dawson has already sought advice from Steve Bruce on potential options at the KC.
Unfortunately for Dawson, the Premier League is not a place for sentiment and the player has acknowledged that his playing time with City is over, although he is to feature once more once the opposition for his testimonial is announced. Despite his loyal service to the club, Dawson is unlikely to be offered a new playing contract, although a coaching role would be justified for a well respected and much loved servant to the club.
Verdict: Move into the coaching team.
Jamie Devitt
22 year old Devitt is another product of the City youth system but is a midfielder who has failed to make any significant impact. Devitt has 18 league and cup appearances to his name with City but has spent a significant period of time away with loan spells at Darlington, Grimsby Town (twice,) Shrewsbury Town, Bradford City, Accrington Stanley and Rotherham United
Verdict: No future with Hull City – will be signed by a League 2 or League 1 side.
Danny Emerton
The third City youngster on this list, Beverley born Emerton has spent time on loan in Sweeden at IK Frej and most recently was loaned to Alfreton Town where he made three appearances. Emerton has not featured for the City first team and it would be a surprise to see his services retained.
Verdict: No future with Hull City.
Abdoulaye Faye
A key part of the back three which has helped City regain their Premier League place, 35 year old Faye celebrated back to back promotions after helping West Ham United win the Play-Off Final in 2011/12. Joining on a free transfer, Faye has featured on 33 occasions this season, scoring 4 goals. Such was the importance of the Senegalese defender, Faye was made captain for City`s last two fixtures at Barnsley and against Cardiff City as he helped City win promotion.
Steve Bruce has already moved to secure the services of Faye who will bring a wealth of Premier League experience having featured for Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Stoke City in a career which has taken in close to 200 Premier League and European games.
With a side that is short on Premier League experience, it is imperative to keep the popular Faye around for the likes of James Chester and Jack Hobbs, who can both learn from the veteran defender, even if Faye may be unlikely to be a regular starter for City in the top flight.
Verdict: Should be rewarded with a new one year contract.
Paul McKenna
Brought to Hull City by Nigel Pearson, Paul McKenna arrived with a good pedigree following spells with Preston North End and Nottingham Forest. McKenna immediately became a key component of the City midfield and during his two years with the club made 55 league and cup appearances.
McKenna has featured in 12 games this season but soon found opportunities limited as Steve Bruce strengthened his side with the acquisitions of Stephen Quinn and David Meyler. In January, McKenna joined Fleetwood Town on loan until the end of the season and featured 16 times in their League 2 campaign.
Verdict: No future with Hull City. Potential for one final season in the lower leagues or the potential to move into coaching or management.
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Not too many surprises in this list. Part 2 will be uploaded tomorrow and there are much tougher decisions to be made including those on Paul McShane, Liam Rosenior and Jay Simpson.