Hull City boss Steve Bruce has explained Steve Agnew's decision to leave for Middlesbrough last week.

Speaking after City's 3-1 win yesterday, Bruce lifted the lid on a surprising exit.

"Let me put this straight to you all," he said. "Steve Agnew came to see me last Friday and he'd had an unbelievable offer to go back there. I gave him the weekend to think about it and believe me, because it was such a wonderful offer I couldn't stand in his way.

"Financially and security wise, they blew what we were paying him out of the water.

"Steve Gibson (Middlesbrough owner) obviously thinks a lot of him, like I do.

"Sometimes you have to shake him by the hand and say 'Well done, Steve, thanks for your help.' He's got nothing but my best wishes.

"I didn't want it to happen, I assure you of that, but I couldn't stand in his road.

"I joked to him 'Any chance of getting a contract like that for me?' The world we live in in football, how could I deny a top lad that chance. That's the truth.

"I hear all these conspiracy theories but he's gone with my best wishes."