An emotionally-drained Steve Bruce revealed some of his Hull squad were so nervous they were 'hiding in toilets' when their promotion was confirmed.
Bruce and his squad endured "torture" as they were made to wait on the outcome of Watford's result against Leeds after their own pulsating encounter against champions Cardiff, which had a sending-off, two penalties and a mini pitch invasion in the final eight minutes, finished 2-2.
"I've been in the game a long, long time and I don't think I've ever seen or witnessed anything quite like that," said Bruce, with Barclays Premier League football secured for next season. "The 10, 12 minutes was just ridiculous and having to wait...We've seen people in tunnels, people walking in corridors, people hiding in toilets, it was just really incredible."
When the final whistle sounded in East Yorkshire there was still plenty of time left at Vicarage Road because of a first-half injury and one Hornets goal would have seen them finish second.
Yet it was Brian McDermott's men who would get the goal which gave Leeds a 2-1 win and sparked joyous celebrations for Bruce and his men back in the bowels of their stadium.
Bruce added: "And for Leeds to score, it was just remarkable and just shows you how difficult a league this is. To get up without any strikers for three months is just a remarkable testament to this squad.
"Even when we went 1-0 down I thought 'This is going to test them' and they've come out again and shown what a great bunch they are. They might not be as naturally talented but they're a great bunch and they've got a huge desire which has took us where we wanted to be."
Tigers forward George Boyd was one of those who hid in the changing rooms. He said: "I couldn't watch it. Leeds have done us a massive favour and well done to them for putting on a show."
The visitors may have already been crowned champions prior to this clash, but there was a sharpness about Malky Mackay's men which suggested they wanted to end their glorious campaign on a high.
"There's no way I wanted to lose the game and I don't think we deserved to lose the game," said the Bluebirds boss. "But I don't think Steve expects anything different. Steve didn't expect any favours from me and didn't get any. You see his team fighting to the end."
Source: PA
