Phil Parkinson made his first addition to the Tigers midfield ranks when Dean was captured from Tottenham Hotspur on a three-year contract for a club record six-figure undisclosed fee.

A product of academy system at Spurs, he signed pro forms in July 2002.

Having struggled to establish an extended run due to the vast array of international talent available at White Hart Lane, a move away from his native London meant the new City boss had recruited one of England's finest young middle line talents.

Dean made his senior debut in a nine-game loan stint at Division Two Swindon Town in the 2002-03 season before being called up for a surprise Premiership bow at the start of the 2003-04.

Born in Barking, he made his Spurs debut at Birmingham City, then made his home debut in the following game - a 2-1 win against Leeds United.

After further loan stints at Queens Park Rangers and Gillingham in 2004, Dean shot to prominence on New Year's Day 2005 when he scored twice in an outstanding display during a 5-2 win against Everton.

It was his first appearance under Spurs manager Martin Jol and it prompted the Dutch coach to describe him as a 'complete player'.

A month later, Dean's progress was recognised by Tigers boss Peter Taylor when he was selected for the England Under-21 friendly against Holland at Derby.

With the latter half of 2004-05 having gone so well, 2005-06 promised much but it generally proved to be frustrating.

Injury cut short a promising loan spell at our Championship rivals Norwich City after he had played 15 times for the Canaries.

After recovering from the injury, Dean failed to add to his 11 senior Spurs appearances (including eight in the Premiership) but he did make eight further appearances for Tottenham's reserves to help them secure the Barclays Premiership Reserve League South title.

After a difficult first few months in East Yorkshire, Dean did much to set the Tigers 2006-07 season in the right direction with vital goals in the December home wins against Cardiff City and Burnley.

His increasing influence matched the amazing improvements in the Tigers fortunes in 2007-08 as we equalled our highest-ever final league position to earn a first-ever trip to Wembley via the Championship Play-Offs, then clinch promotion to the top flight for the first time.

Described as an absolute workaholic by manager Phil Brown, following a slight dip in form following a mid-season illness, Dean returned to his earlier high standard and resumed his central midfield partnership with captain Ian Ashbee to guide the Tigers into previously uncharted territory.

Dean's lung-busting bursts from midfield were a key factor in City's magnificent start to life in the top flight, although he still awaits that elusive Premier League goal in a black and amber shirt.