After that defeat by Boro, Hull had conceded 34 goals from 19 games, the second-worst defensive record in the league.

Since then they have let in just nine goals from their subsequent 12 games, with eight wins and six clean sheets in that run.

By the end of January, they had won more points and games, scored more goals and kept more clean sheets than they did across the whole of the 2024-25 season.

The Tigers are averaging 45% possession compared to 49% last season and making an average of 276 successful passes per game, 70 fewer than last time out.

Under Tim Walter and Selles last season the side scored two goals from what football statisticians Opta define as fast breaks – this season it’s already nine.

Experienced striker Oli McBurnie, who has scored 12 goals in 22 league appearances this season, said that the team are benefitting from the trust the manager and staff have in the players.

“It’s not been like a dictatorship. Since they’ve come in they’ve understood what English football and culture is about,” he told BBC Radio Humberside.

“They will have a conversation with you. Obviously, the gaffer has the final decision but they’ve been brilliant.

“They understand the league and understand that we know the league and our opinions matter and having Dean [Holden] on the staff is massive for them.”