Big Ben struck five on Tuesday as Sky desperately tried to rack up some faux-drama at the end of another dreary deadline day. Hull City were one of the more proactive teams as the deadline neared, drafting in another centre half in the shape of Ibrahima Sonko. A further signing came on Thursday however, with the free agent Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink deciding to head for East Yorkshire, a move that appears to have placated a section of fans upset at Michael Turner's sale.

City fans seemed reasonably satisfied with both messers Brown and Duffen's work in the window until last Sunday, when Turner moved to Sunderland. The transfer prompted a surprisingly hostile reaction from a section of City's fans, some of whom questioned whether Turner was sold as a matter of necessity and whether Brown, and particularly Duffen, were the right men to be in charge at all.

The anger and frustration was understandable to an extent. The fans had been told that every effort would be made to keep our prized centre half, before the club meekly surrendered, allegedly accepting far less than first mooted as a transfer fee. With a proposed £12m being available for the attempted Negredo deal, many fans were justifiably asking where the money had gone. The deal being announced as an 'undisclosed fee' further added to the conspiracy theories, with reports from the north-east claiming City have agreed a deal of around £6m in total, half the original price tag slapped on Turner weeks ago.

Although some may question whether Sunderland are really a significant step forward for Turner, no Tigers fan can question the player's effort and commitment for the black and amber cause. Turner's City career has in many ways mirrored that of the club itself.

The Londoner joined City in the summer of 2006, one of several excellent Phil Parkinson signings, who unfortunately proved their worth when he had long been removed from his post. He initially struggled to settle, a particular stinker coming in the 5-1 hammering at Colchester, which ultimately cost Parkinson his job. Phil Brown persisted with the youngster and boosted Turner's confidence to the extent that he starred in City's promotion campaign the season after, notably with an heroic block late in the play-off final.

Turner's efforts did not go unappreciated by City fans, who nominated the defender as player of the 2007/08 season, and the same accolade 12 months later, after Turner eased into Premier League football, scoring five crucial goals and playing a starring role in the Tigers' survival. He can head for pastures new with his head held high and every City fan will wish him well.

With Turner gone, City definitely have a stronger depth of squad this season, with more viable candidates for a starting place than last season. Let's look at the outgoings and new arrivals.

Defence: Turner's departure is disappointing of course, and Ricketts will also be missed. But in Paul McShane we have a capable right back, and good potential in the shape of Nathan Doyle, who I still feel has a future in the Premier League. It would be unfair to expect Ibrahima Sonko to fill Turner's boots, but the giant centre half had a great season for Reading on their Premier League debut. He can clearly cope with the quality of this division, and hopefully will give Zayatte and Gardner competition for their places. Steven Mouyokolo looks a little naive for regular first team action, and will probably be eased into the season now Brown has more defensive options.

Midfield: Bullard will feel like a new signing when he finally gets back on the pitch for City. Olofinjana has added muscle to the midfield, but hasn't impressed as Ashbee did this time last year. He will surely improve as he gets more accustomed to the team. Hunt looks like the signing of the summer already. Quality delivery, pace, guile and his monstrous work rate mean the Irishman has impressed hugely already this season. A bargain at around £2m. Another creative player would have been a nice acquisition, but Brown and Duffen showed no real inclination to add one. Ryan France moved back to his real level, the Championship, and has been a terrific servant to the Tigers.

Forwards: Altidore and Ghilas already look the part. Strong, pacy and direct, the two look like forming a good partnership. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink comes with an impressive pedigree, and looks to be the natural goalscorer City fans have craved since Fraizer Campbell's loan spell ended. Caleb Folan looks set for more bench duty, and hasn't really impressed in his appearances so far. Daniel Cousin's sulking has not gone down well with Brown, and the Frenchman looks set for a loan move to Cardiff. He will surely score goals for fun in the Championship, and could make a lethal partnership in South Wales with Michael Chopra. City look to have exciting forward options for the coming months

What do you think of my assessments? I'd love to hear your comments.

TC