Hull City players on their 'best ever' summer holidays

Eight weeks after firing Hull City into the Premier League, Oli McBurnie is still grinning from ear to ear.

His last-gasp goal in the Championship play-off final at Wembley won not only the "richest game in football", but also a trip to Las Vegas for the whole squad, paid for by owner Acun Ilicali.

"It took a couple of weeks for it to sink in properly," McBurniesays.

"Acun taught me to say it was the best moment of my professional life, not my whole life, so I don't get in trouble with the Mrs," he adds with a giggle.

Now, with a season in the top flight less than a month away, McBurnie is back in training and reflecting on a whirlwind summer.

The Scotland international missed out on selection for the World Cup, but enjoyed his own US adventure with Ilicali and his teammates.

"While we were there, a woman came up to me and asked me to sign her arm. She came back 10 minutes later with the signature tattooed, it was insane.

"I know a little bit about tattoos," adds the striker, who has dozens inked across his body, "so I know that they're on you forever."

McBurnie and his family also joined Ilicali on holiday in Turkey – the owner's home country.

"You'd be surprised at the amount of Hull City fans there are in Turkey," McBurnie says.

Ilicali, a broadcaster and media entrepreneur, will be hoping that number grows and grows now the Tigers will be taking on the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Usually after a summer break, going back to work and routine feels like a comedown.

But McBurnie and his teammates cannot wait. For some, playing in the Premier League will be the pinnacle of their careers.

Club captain Lewie Coyle made his debut for the Tigers when they were playing in League One.

Now, on an immaculate-looking pitch, he is barking out instructions during training drills.

Like McBurnie, Coyle found himself being recognised during his holidays. When asked if it was his best summer ever, he doesn't hesitate. "Yes," he says.

"Jetting off to Vegas was incredible. We made memories for life.

"We didn't hold back, that's for sure. The chairman put on an incredible trip.

"I think there was a few sore heads for the coming days after that."

For Coyle, who grew up in the area, family is high on his agenda. His late father, Chris, owned a fruit and veg stall in the city centre.

Now a dad himself, Coyle, along with his partner, took their three-year-old son to Portugal and says he "loved it".

"He's at a great age, we were in and out the pool all day with him – that's what it's all about."

In recent years, Coyle has spoken openly about losing his father. His post-match TV interview at Wembley was an emotional one and, looking back now, he says he felt overwhelmed.

"I took my medal to my dad's grave. I sat with him for maybe half an hour, put the medal around his headstone and just had a chat with him and told him that I'd done it. I kept my promise to him.

"I always say to him, if you can see us all, you'll know your legacy is continued," he adds with a glance up to the sky.

The Tigers' first match of the new season will be at home to Manchester United on 22 August.

For supporters, it is a dream fixture, but for Matt Crooks, a fan favourite, it will be a test of family loyalty.

"My family have had two season tickets at Old Trafford since since I've been alive," the midfielder says.

So who will they be cheering on in the game? He winks and says "me", before pausing and adding, with a chuckle, "I hope".

Crooks is known for his sense of humour. When asked to name-check himself for a recording for TV and radio, he replies: "Tree".

He has embraced this affectionate nickname, which is inspired by his height and bushy hair. People even dressed as trees at Wembley.

Nevertheless, he is serious about what lies ahead.

"I guess all through my career I've been jumping up the leagues and this is probably the final one where it's a test and a challenge for myself, " Crooks says.

He walks back towards the training session, then turns and shouts: "Up the Tigers!"

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