Following Stuart Green and Richie Appleby, Ian became the third signing in our new look midfield when he joined the Tigers in June 2002.

Born in Birmingham, he began his career at Derby County where he made his only senior appearance for the Rams under Roy McFarland in the 1994-95 season when he started against Southend United on the last day of the season - McFarland's last match as manager.

'Ash' then featured in two pre-season friendlies under Jim Smith at the start of the 1995-96 season, but figured in no other senior County games. During the summer of 1996, he went on loan to IR Knattspyrnudeild in Iceland, and scored three goals in eight appearances.

Soon after taking over at Cambridge United, Roy McFarland made Ian his first signing in December 1996. A former England youth international, Ian became an Abbey stalwart with his ability to also play anywhere across the backline adding to his value. He was a regular in the Us' team that won promotion to Division Two in 1999.

Having agreed a three-year deal with the Tigers, 'Ash' was sent-off having received two yellow cards in his City debut against Southend United at Boothferry Park, although that was to be an indication of his combative instincts as the Tigers' midfield general proved to be a reassuring presence in their Third Division battles. As well as winning the ball, his intelligent passing regularly prompted the Tigers attack.

A spectacular volleyed goal in a 4-1 win at Torquay United in Peter Taylor's first game in charge was duly voted as our Goal of the 2002-03 season but, after suffering torn ankle ligaments against Shrewsbury Town in March, he missed the closing stages of the campaign.

It was entirely fitting that our own Captain Marvel's 25-yard curler in to the top corner should confirm the Tigers first promotion success in 19 years. For his wholehearted contribution throughout a memorable 2003-04 campaign, his wonder strike at Yeovil Town has already deservedly passed into the club's folklore.

Ash scored his first goal on Hull soil in December 2004 with the opener in the 6-1 demolition of Tranmere Rovers. He then went onto confirm his name in the club's history books as - in the club's centenary season - the ultimate competitor became the first player to captain City to two consecutive promotion campaigns.

Peter Taylor quickly confirmed that Ian would skipper the Tigers in the Championship in 2005-06.

However, after an impressive start at the higher level, an exploratory operation at the end of August revealed that he had fractured his knee.

Sadly, further investigation revealed a degenerative bone disease affecting his femur called osteochondral defect.

Not only did it rule Ash out for the rest of the season but threatened his career and even the ability to walk.

Ian's contract was extended to June 2008 in June 2006.

With Stuart Green's departure to Crystal Palace in August 2006, Ash became the Tigers' current longest-serving player.

He returned to action the following month in the visit to Birmingham City; it was an especially special day as he is a self-confessed Blues supporter.

The other personal highlight in a season that became a constant battle against relegation was his equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Peter Taylor's Crystal Palace.

With our promotion to the top flight for the first time in our 104-year history via victory in the Championship Play-Off Final on our first-ever visit to Wembley in May 2008, the ultimate unsung hero completed the unique feat of captaining a team from the Third Division up to the Premier League in the space of his six years.

Voted third in the Tigers' Player of the Year awards, his efforts on and off the pitch were duly recognised with the inaugural Chairman's award for outstanding contribution.

Ian has continued to be a regular and important part of the City side in the Barclays Premier League and was named the Piers Morgan On Sport Sports' Personality of the year for 2008. He scored his first Premier League goal against Blackburn in March and has scored for the Tigers in all four senior divisions of the English Football League.