Hull City confirms Steve Bruce's exit, appoints Mike Phelan as caretaker manager
Promotion, relegation, promotion, resignation.
After it was reported that Steve Bruce resigned as Hull City's manager on Friday, the Tigers confirmed that the Geordie tactician left the club "by mutual consent" and appointed Mike Phelan to the role of caretaker manager.
Bruce's departure comes two days after Hull announced its takeover talks have been placed on hold until the closure of the summer transfer window, leaving the future of the Tigers' ownership clouded by uncertainty. According to Louise Taylor the Guardian, he had become "increasingly frustrated" by the club's lack of activity in the window.
From Hull's official website:
Following four incredible seasons with the Tigers including two promotions and our first ever FA Cup final, we can confirm that manager Steve Bruce has left the Club by mutual consent.
The Board of Directors would like to thank Steve for all his efforts since his appointment in 2012 culminating in a glorious day at Wembley in May which saw the club bounce back into the Premier League. Steve has excelled in his role - both on and off the field - and will be remembered for being the most successful manager in our history to date.
Steve Bruce wishes the club and the owners all the very best for the forthcoming Premier League season. Steve also wishes to place on record his thanks to the club's supporters for their unwavering support and also to all the players and staff who have worked with him during his time at the KCOM Stadium.
Mike Phelan will step in to the role of caretaker manager until a permanent appointment is made for the upcoming campaign.
Informal discussions were held between Bruce and the Football Association earlier this month regarding England's managerial vacancy, but Sam Allardyce was appointed as the Three Lions' manager on Friday. As a result, the 55-year-old is among the odds-on favourites to be named as Sunderland's new commander.
Appointed as Hull's manager in 2012, Bruce presided over two promotions to the Premier League and a relegation to the Championship, and took the Tigers to their first-ever FA Cup final.