Dean Windass's amazing, technicolour career has gone full circle as, having started out as a YTS at Hull almost 20 years ago, it looks like he may end his playing days with the Tigers - as a winner too, at the ripe old age of 39. Having returned to Hull, on loan, last season his eight goals once again made him a crowd favourite and helped keep the club in the Championship. This season, the evergreen striker has bagged another ten goals to further enhance his iconic status and, with third-placed Hull making an unlikely push for promotion, the Premiership beckons. Lawrie Madden caught up with Dean to talk about the Tigers' promotion chances - and the secret of his longevity.
Q:HAS HULL'S SURGE INTO THE PLAY-OFF ZONE SURPRISED YOU?
A:When I was with Sheffield United a few years ago we also sneaked in to the play-offs in the last few games, so it's always possible. At the moment we have confidence we can win every game. Hull are back on the map now and people are talking about us. If we beat Watford people will be talking about us even more - and about automatic promotion.
Q:WHAT'S BEEN THE KEY TO YOUR TURNAROUND IN FORM?
A:Early on we couldn't get back-to-back wins. We would win a game and then lose or draw the next. The manager said if we could get consecutive wins we would climb the table because in this division teams beat each other. I only believed the play-offs were possible when we reached the top six a few weeks ago.
Q:WHAT'S THE MOOD LIKE AROUND THE TOWN?
A:Well the whole place is buzzing. It has been a great team effort from Brian who makes our lunches to the technical staff who pay so much attention to detail. Who knows what would happen if we got to the Promised Land. The club will probably have to build another new stadium!
Q:QUITE A TRANSFORMATION FROM LAST YEAR'S RUN-IN?
A:I think we were very nervous last season about whether we would stay in the Championship. That was pressure. This season we have six games to go and my aim is to enjoy it and have a smile on my face. I play better with a smile on my face. I get the crowd going and I respond to them.
Q:HOW DO YOU VIEW THE LAST SIX GAMES?
A:From a personal view, I just try and focus on the next game. I want to play better than the player I am against then the team starts to perform when you have won your individual battles. The only thing in football that changes is the opposition. We know that if you don't perform in this division you will get turned over.
Q:HOW GOOD IS FRAZIER CAMPBELL?
A:Frazier has come in and done well. He's a natural goalscorer and he can get you goals. He was a little down when he left Manchester United but the gaffer and the lads kept him going. He does all my running. I try and give him a little advice but I don't try and patronizs him and say 'do this and do that and I do it this way'. It's just a little word here and there.
Q:ANY GOAL TARGETS FROM HERE ON IN?
A:For the last few seasons I have got 20 and I said when I got ten I wanted 20, but I have been injured and was out for a few games. Now I hope to get to 15 goals with six games left and that would be a result.
Q:YOU'RE 39 NEXT MONTH - HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP GOING?
A:There is a lot of science these days about what you eat and drink and that can prolong your career. But I know what I can do. I'm never going to be the best player and take on two players and fire into the top corner. I know what I am good at. I try and stay in the box, be a physical presence and bring people into the game and score goals. I feel good. I said if I didn't feel good I would walk away because although I have signed a two- year deal I wouldn't want to be here if I wasn't doing it.
