By Hull City

Hull City are delighted to announce the appointment of club legend Andy Dawson as new first-team coach.

The 43-year-old has impressed since returning to the club as Lead Professional Development Phase Coach with the Under-23s in September 2019, and has now been selected to take on greater responsibility under head coach Shota Arveladze.  

Dawson, who earned legendary status at the club during his 10-year spell at the MKM Stadium as a player, began his coaching career at Scunthorpe United in 2013 as a player-coach. During his six-year spell at the Sands Venue Stadium, Dawson gained experience in numerous roles including first-team coach, assistant manager and interim manager.

Since returning to East Yorkshire in September 2019, Dawson has helped develop the next generation of talent in the academy, most recently helping the Under-23s achieve a third-place finish in the Under-23 Professional Development League (North).

Having got a taste of working closely with Arveladze in the Georgian’s first game in charge against Swansea City in January, Dawson is excited to make a full-time step up to working with the first team.

Dawson said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a real honour for me. It was an honour for me two and a half years ago to come back and coach the Under-23s. I’ve had a fantastic time and some great opportunities.

“Hopefully, I helped some of the young players develop, and now I’ve been given the opportunity to step up to the first team by the gaffer, Tan (Kesler) and the chairman (Acun Ilicali).

“It’s an opportunity to help a progressive, forward-thinking club, and from my point of view, an opportunity to help me keep developing. Hopefully, I can help the players improve and help the gaffer achieve the goal that everybody wants which is a very positive season next year.”

Dawson was also keen to pay tribute to his predecessor Tony Pennock, who after eight years at the club, stepped down from his position as first-team coach following our final game of the season against Nottingham Forest.

“Tony has been brilliant with me over the past two and a half years as first-team coach,” added Dawson.

“I’m sure he’ll be a great success in whatever he does next. I’d like to thank him because he’s done brilliantly for the club.”