Hull City defender Paul McShane has praised manager Steve Bruce for helping him to turn around his career.
The 27-year old only made two appearances for the Tigers last season but following the arrival of Bruce, he became a key part of his side's promotion-winning campaign, featuring 25 times.
McShane scored in the decisive game against Cardiff and the Republic of Ireland international has thanked the former Sunderland boss for giving him the opportunity to prove himself.
"People talk about important games in your career and I got a chance against Blackpool. I got man of the match. That was really key," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"If I'd had a nightmare, I'd probably have been out the door.
"He has been a great help to me. He's a great man-manager. He's just a proper man's man. He's honest; he's got that old-school streak. He might see a bit of himself in me.
"At United, all the MUTV commentators like Paddy Crerand compared me to Steve Bruce. He showed faith in me this season. I said to him I'm very grateful for giving me a chance.
"We struggled to score goals towards the end of the season. He will know the areas that need improvement, so there will definitely be a few signings coming in. I feel content now."
McShane also admitted that he was close to walking out of Hull following the death of his father in 2010.
"I've been through a lot," he said. "The last two or three years have been really hard, just kept getting knocked back and knocked back.
"One voice in my head was saying 'go, leave' but there was another voice, something deep down, telling me I can't walk away.
"I was thinking what my dad would say. 'Stay'.
"I know how bad it was but you've got to make peace with the past and move on. There are worse things going on in the world."
