ANDY Dawson is on the verge of a move back to former club Scunthorpe United as he finally prepares to call time on a glittering association with Hull City.
The 34-year-old is understood to have held advanced talks with the Iron this week after being formally told by Tigers boss Steve Bruce his services would not be retained ahead of City's return to the Premier League next season.
A return to Glanford Park on a free transfer now appears to be a formality for the out-of-contract Dawson, leading him back to the club he served with distinction before joining the Tigers in May 2003.
As a veteran of over 300 games and four promotions during a brilliant decade with City, Dawson's impending departure will mark the end of an era at the KC Stadium.
Although the possibility of a coaching role with the Tigers was mooted following the club's promotion celebrations last week, the opportunity to extend his playing days for at least another two seasons has eventually proved irresistible.
One final challenge will now come in under Brian Laws, the manager who gave Dawson his big break at Glanford Park when signed from Nottingham Forest in 1998.
The Iron are keen to rebuild following relegation to League Two last month and the veteran has been identified as a potentially key figure in the Iron's bid for promotion back to League One.
Laws would not be drawn on specific targets but said: "I've had talks with a particular player who has a great calibre and has played at a good level. If we can achieve it, I'll be quite excited.
"It will be a coup for the club."
Dawson can still expect one final farewell from the KC Stadium.
A friendly in his name has been provisionally planned for the final week of City's pre-season programme and will represent the showpiece event of a popular testimonial year with the Tigers.
Given his possible commitments with Scunthorpe, that fixture may need to take place on a Sunday.
Dawson departs as the most decorated player in City's history after collecting his fourth promotion medal this month. A start in City's FA Cup third round replay win at Leyton Orient on January 15 proved to be Dawson's final act in black and amber, but he leaves having made 317 appearances and scored 10 goals. With Seyi Olofinjana and Mark Cullen also told they will be released next month, it leaves Paul McShane and Tom Cairney as the only two remaining survivors of City's last Premier League era. Dawson's exit is likely to be followed by the return of Gedo and Ahmed Fathi to parent club Al-Ahly. Reports in Egypt suggest both players will not be sold, but City's interest is known to have faded. Although Gedo made his mark with five goals, surgery on his foot will leave him sidelined for the next four months.• City have announced a pre-season friendly with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, July 20 at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira, part of the club's trip to Portugal.Have you seen our new sport section?Bookmark hulldailymail.co.uk/sport for the very best and exclusive local content.
• Gallery The Andy Dawson years in pictures
Dawson departs as the most decorated player in City's history after collecting his fourth promotion medal this month. A start in City's FA Cup third round replay win at Leyton Orient on January 15 proved to be Dawson's final act in black and amber, but he leaves having made 317 appearances and scored 10 goals. With Seyi Olofinjana and Mark Cullen also told they will be released next month, it leaves Paul McShane and Tom Cairney as the only two remaining survivors of City's last Premier League era. Dawson's exit is likely to be followed by the return of Gedo and Ahmed Fathi to parent club Al-Ahly. Reports in Egypt suggest both players will not be sold, but City's interest is known to have faded. Although Gedo made his mark with five goals, surgery on his foot will leave him sidelined for the next four months.• City have announced a pre-season friendly with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, July 20 at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira, part of the club's trip to Portugal.Have you seen our new sport section?Bookmark hulldailymail.co.uk/sport for the very best and exclusive local content.
