PLAYER PROFILE

Ian Ashbee

Position: Midfield

Height: 6'0

Weight: 13st 7lbs

Date of Birth: 1976-09-06 Birmingham, England

Ian Ashbee

Midfielder Ian Ashbee began his career at Derby County in 1994. He stayed at the Rams for two seasons, but struggled to make an impact and was sold to Cambridge United in 1996.

It was here that Ashbee made his name as he scored 11 goals in nearly 200 games for The U's. This form attracted the interest of then-Third Division side Hull, who bought him in 2002.

He quickly became a fan favourite and was named captain not long after his arrival. He was instrumental in the Tigers' climb through the divisions, scoring the goal that promoted them to League One in 2004.

He missed the majority of the 2005/06 season after being diagnosed with a degenerative bone condition in his femur.

The 2006/07 campaign was a poor one for both Ashbee and Hull and they only just avoided relegation. However, things improved in 2007/08, and the Tigers ended the campaign with promotion to the Premier League.

He continued to play well into 2008/09 and was one of the club's standout performers as they narrowly avoided relegation on the final day.