The Geordie humour at KC Stadium is reportedly a thing of the past.
According to Peter O'Rourke of ESPN FC, Steve Bruce resigned as Hull City's manager two days after the Tigers announced that their takeover talks have been placed on hold until the closure of the summer transfer window.
Related: Hull takeover talks on hold until transfer window closes
Things aren't looking good at Hull ahead of its return to the Premier League. The Tigers have barely budged during the summer transfer window amid uncertainty over the club's ownership, and, as BBC Sport explains, injuries have left the first team with only 13 fit players.
Bruce held informal discussions with the Football Association earlier this month regarding England's managerial vacancy, but Sam Allardyce is apparently set to be appointed as the Three Lions' chief once the haggling over Sunderland's compensation is sorted out.
Report: Allardyce's England hire delayed by compensation quibble
Hired as Hull's manager in 2012, Bruce orchestrated the Tigers' immediate return to the Premier League last season after they were relegated during the prior campaign. The Geordie tactician is among one of the favourites to be named as Sunderland's commander once Allardyce leaves the Black Cats.