STEVE Bruce left his seat in the directors' box at half-time on Saturday afternoon and did not return. With player recruitment imperative before the new Premier League season this weekend, a flight bound for France could clearly not wait.
There Bruce was hopeful of procuring the new blood he craves ahead of facing Chelsea, but the last act of Hull City's pre-season at least offered the manager timely reassurance.
Though short in midfield, Bruce's squad is as ready as it will ever be for the top flight.
A comfortable victory over Real Betis showed as much. Lining up with arguably the same starting XI that will be tasked with upsetting Jose Mourinho's Chelsea homecoming, City were worthy winners against a side that finished seventh in La Liga last season.
First-half goals from Danny Graham and Sone Aluko were followed up by a third from George Boyd to conclude pre-season on a wholesome high.
It was, of course, a day to celebrate Andy Dawson's decade devoted to City, but the club's future did not lack appeal on Saturday afternoon.
A new-look 4-3-3 formation, first introduced during the two-game tour of Germany, was fine-tuned at the KC Stadium and most already appear comfortable with the alterations.
Chelsea will pose a far greater test than a lethargic Betis outfit, but Bruce departed for the airport content in the knowledge lines have been learned during the last week of rehearsals.
"Of course it will be the manager that decides but I would suggest that starting XI won't be too far away from what he's thinking," explained first-team coach Keith Bertschin, deputising for Bruce in the post-match assessments.
"We'll do a bit of work during the week. They've adjusted well after the changes from last season but they're good footballers who understand their positions.
"They've got the idea of the shape. Not only when the opposition have got the ball but also when they break out of the shape and go and attack teams. That's crucial in this league.
"If you're giving the ball away all the time it can be quite harrowing. We need to cause all teams a problem when we're in possession."
City managed that more than ever before this pre-season. An interchanging front three of Graham, Aluko and Yannick Sagbo were mobile and effective, while the creativity of Robert Koren and Robbie Brady in midfield added a dynamic quality.
Bruce's late moves in the transfer market this week will dictate if there is room for all five of those attack-minded figures but this, if nothing else, was a confidence boost for a side that had only scored three times in the previous six friendlies.
"We feel as ready as we can be," added Bertschin. "You'll never know until the season begins but you can tell that the lads are switched on to the system we're playing. It's a good send off before the proper stuff starts.
"People can say you can't look too deeply into pre-season. However, it's good for morale and it's good for confidence, particularly with the start we've got.
"There were a lot of plusses that we hope we can take into Chelsea."
Not since beating Winterton Rangers last month have the Tigers won quite so handsomely during pre-season and the result was a formality from the opening minutes.
Brady's excellent free-kick from the left flank was all it took for the Betis' defence to crumble and Graham, on the stretch, nodded in his first goal in City colours. After six friendly appearances without breaking his duck, the on-loan striker had the smallest weight lifted.
The Tigers were buoyed by the early advantage and performed positively. Brady, dropped back into Stephen Quinn's rightful position, showed more of his enthusiasm for a Premier League bow, while Koren also caught the eye with an industrious effort.
Betis, however, were a largely ineffective opponent. A patient passing game was one thing but the visitors were devoid of intent. Most barely lifted a leg.
Fittingly, City doubled their lead through arguably their most promising individual of pre-season. Once Aluko's tricks had won him a free-kick close to the corner flag, he collected a short pass from Brady before setting himself in inexcusable space to curl a sweet finish into the top corner.
While Bruce made his exit before the second half began, the lack of changes also pointed towards a settled starting XI. Not until the 74th minute in a non-descript second half did those mandatory pre-season changes arrive, meaning the same starters could benefit from an extended final run-out.
Only two points of interest were left to punctuate the slowest of conclusions.
First there was Boyd's moment of class to intercept a woeful back-pass, round the goalkeeper and cheekily chip the ball over a scrambling defender to make it 3-0.
And then there was the swansong of Dawson. Almost 8,000 people had turned up at the KC Stadium to provide a final salute to the Tigers' most decorated servant and they were given the opportunity to say goodbye when Dawson emerged as an 88th-minute substitute. One last appearance in the number three shirt he made his own was a memorable denouement to 10 years as a Tiger.
Dawson took the microphone after the full-time whistle to thank supporters and speak of the excitement he will get watching City in the Premier League. Sharing the emotions of every supporter, the wait is almost over.Robbie Brady will start against Chelsea - but where?
The last names have been pencilled into Hull City's starting XI to face Chelsea this weekend and Robbie Brady will be amongst those listed.
That was never in doubt after his contribution to promotion last season but the only question that remains is where.
To date during pre-season Brady has played as a left wing-back in a 3-5-2, a withdrawn forward in a 4-4-2 and flanking the attacking line of a 4-3-3. A fourth role came when pushed back into midfield of a 4-3-3 against Real Betis on Saturday and Brady's versatility is proving immense.
A strong work ethic and physical strength ensures the midfield duties off the ball come naturally and did not detract from his attacking skills. On more than one occasion he ran at Betis to cause back-tracking defenders awkward problems.
Brady's ability from set-pieces is another huge asset. A whipped ball into the box after three minutes was a menace to defend and put Danny Graham's first goal in City colours on a plate.
Avoid injury on Republic of Ireland duty and he'll start at Stamford Bridge.
