Eric Lichaj admits his start to life at Hull City was stressful, after making the move from Nottingham Forest a year ago.
The popular American spent five years at the City Ground, clocking up 178 starts before opting to make the move to the KCOM Stadium in a six-figure deal.
Hull endured a difficult start to the season, before going on an impressive run which saw them chase a play-off place, as they ultimately fell short.
And Lichaj, as honest as ever, admitted things had been rather up and down after such a worrying start.
“It’s been up and down for sure,” he told Hull Live.
“It wasn’t the best of starts at all. It was a bit stressful.
“Me and a few of the guys were probably buckling in for a relegation scrap but then we ended up going on a really good run.
“Unfortunately we were always just behind the play-offs. We just couldn’t get that win to propel us in there.
“I would’ve liked to have got play-offs, just for a shot to see what happens over two legs.
“It’s always that big prize at the end that everyone wants but only three teams can get it. It’s always a tough ask to get there but hopefully next season it’ll be the aim again.”
Lichaj penned a two-year deal on Humberside, with the option of a third 12 months ago, and the 30-year-old hopes the improved performances during the season will give the Tigers hope going forward into the new campaign.
“I know I’m contracted here next season so I just want to show everything I can to keep a good feeling going for next year,” he said.
After a terrible start to the campaign, and with City looking like relegation candidates, things turned around under Nigel Adkins, an improvement which impressed the ex-Forest defender.
“He’s done a really good job in my opinion. From the position we were in," he said.
“There are things that you guys don’t see but the manager and all his staff are very helpful behind the scenes. They set up the team in a professional manner, from sports science all the way up to the medical staff. They give us a good platform for every game.
"Then it’s down to us to produce on the pitch. I can’t fault any member of the backroom team at this club.”
