ANDY Dawson is braced for an emotional swansong tomorrow as he prepares for the curtain to fall on a glittering 10-year association with Hull City.
The KC Stadium plays host to the showpiece event of Dawson's testimonial year tomorrow afternoon when Real Betis visit for the final friendly of the Tigers' pre-season.
Having already left to rejoin Scunthorpe United at the end of May, it is the last chance for the veteran defender to say goodbye to the club where he enjoyed an unforgettable decade.
"I am quite an emotional bloke so who knows what will happen? I'm not afraid to say I cried after Wembley," said Dawson.
"At the time you probably don't take things in and I'm not sure I will at the game.
"It will probably be Sunday morning when I think 'Wow, 10 years is suddenly over.'
"It's a positive thing though. I can always reminisce and think of all the good times I had."
Dawson became the first player in City's history to win four promotions when playing his part in helping Steve Bruce's men to runners-up spot in the Championship in May.
Placed alongside his promotions in 2004, 2005 and 2008, a journey that took him from Division Three to the Premier League, the 34-year-old has left with a seemingly invincible record.
Dawson added: "It'll be weird. I'll be excited, appreciative of everyone being there but also a bit emotional to know that it'll be the last time I run out and kick a ball on the KC pitch.
"That's quite sad really but it's part and parcel of football. It always moves on no matter who you are.
"When you sign for a club you could never have dreamed of having the success I've had here.
"As many of the fans would say as well, it was beyond all our dreams.
"If you'd have told any of us in 2003 that we'd be in the Premier League within five years, we'd have looked at you as though you were mad. It went beyond all our expectations. To be part of that was fantastic, a privilege."
As well as the chance to see Bruce's men test themselves against Spanish side Real Betis (3pm) eight days before the new season begins at Chelsea, supporters can also see a host of former favourites returning for the Legends fixture (1.30pm).
Amongst the veterans joining Dawson in the celebration game will Dean Windass, Justin Whittle, Danny Allsopp and Ben Burgess.
Dawson added: "It's the club's first home game since promotion so I know there'll be a lot of people excited at seeing the team again ahead of such a big year.
"The legends game beforehand will be great as well.
"A lot of the lads I've played with over the years will be there."
Admission for tomorrow's game will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions with cash turnstiles around the ground.
• IN TOMORROW'S Game On pull-out Andy Dawson looks back at 10 years at the KC, selecting his favourite game, goal, season, team-mate and manager.
Andy Dawson: A career in pictures• The Andy Dawson years picture gallery 1
• The Andy Dawson years picture gallery 2
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