Sportsmail Exclusive: Hull striker Dean Windass can't wait for the big kick-off

This is it. The day we have been waiting for since that volley smacked the back of the
Wembley net; the day the city of Hull has been dreaming of for more than 100 years.

And I still can’t believe it. As a Hull lad who stood on the terraces at Boothferry Park,
who lived the dream and played at the famous old stadium many, many times, it’s
a day I just never thought possible.

Much to celebrate: Dean Windass

But then no one in Hull does even now. If I hadn’t played in the top-flight before and been through some of the experiences that lie ahead, I’d be even more nervous than I
am already.

It’s the job of me and the older lads like George Boateng to keep the younger lads’ feet on the ground. Like that’s going to be easy!

It’s just a shame I’m not driving back to Boothferry today. It was home for so long and I can even look back on sweeping the old toilets in the dressing rooms with some affection now they are just rubble, and John Cooper's award-winning pitch is an overgrown field.

I took my boys, Josh and Jordan, there recently. It’s impossible to paint the picture
of the main stand with the rusty staircase on the outside leading to the press-box and
the big yellow door which was the players’ entrance, leading straight through to the
dressing rooms and tunnel.

Like those difficult times when I was first at the club, it’s all gone now. You pass Boothferry Park on your way to the KC Stadium, which will be bouncing this afternoon.

Lifelong Hull fan: Dean Windass

You can’t get away from it. This is the biggest thing to happen to the city. Ever. We have all had plenty of time to reflect since that amazing day at Wembley. It was only a day after the parade through the city, after I’d switched the mobile off and sat at home
nursing a massive hangover with Helen and the boys, that it started to hit me.

I know supporters who have been watching City through thick and very thin for 60-odd
years. Today is for them. I know how they’re feeling.

Phil Brown, the gaffer, made sure all our tickets, car park and lounge passes were sorted out early. I know players who can be more anxious about comps for their family and friends than the game on match day.

It’s good to know there will be no distractions. Today we play Fulham and, with the battle for Premier League survival upon us, we have enough to worry about.

EMAIL DEAN WINDASS: thebootroom@dailymail.co.uk