Thursday 12 September 2013 19:20, UK
Hull City manager Steve Bruce has admitted that he remains "bitterly disappointed" by the collapse of their bid to sign Shane Long.
Despite the final move for Long falling apart, Bruce successfully re-shaped his promotion-winning side during a busy summer. He strengthened his squad in every position, bringing in 11 new additions and catching the eye when he persuaded England caps Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore to swap Tottenham for Hull. But through the loan market and free transfers he was able to do so on a budget of less than £15million. "We can't complain," he added. "I was at training today and I said 'what a difference to 12 months ago' to the squad of players we have here. "No disrespect to what has come before but that is when you recognise what the Premier League does. It forces you to bring in bigger and better players."
