The departure of manager Nigel Pearson in November may have signalled a period of instability for Hull City.
Instead, Nicky Barmby has taken the club from strength to strength since he became caretaker boss.
Sitting in the promotion places going into 2012, Sports Mole takes a look at a promising campaign so far for the Tigers.
August
Hull's season got off to a losing start as they were beaten at home 1-0 by Blackpool before a 2-0 defeat by Macclesfield in the Carling Cup.
They got off the mark in the league in the next game as they recorded a 1-0 victory at Ipswich Town.
A humbling 4-1 defeat to Leeds United was to follow, while things go worse with a 1-0 home loss to Crystal Palace.
They were able to end the month with a win after their 1-0 triumph over Reading at the KC Stadium.
September
Things were looking up as City remained unbeaten in September.
Wins against Peterborough United and Portsmouth were complimented with draws at Bristol City and Doncaster Rovers.
October
Their promotion charge was now moving into gear as they again avoided defeat in October.
A 2-1 win versus fellow promotion hopefuls Cardiff City was followed up with a goalless draw at high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion.
A last-minute win against Watford and a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest capped a good month for the Tigers.
November
The penultimate month of the year proved to be one of the more tumultuous for Hull as manager Nigel Pearson departed for former club Leicester City.
His final two matches ended in defeat as the team were beaten by Barnsley and West Ham United.
The introduction of Nicky Barmby as caretaker coach had a winning effect on the side as they notched up a 2-0 victory at Derby County.
However, worry soon spread around the KC Stadium with defeats to Burnley and league leaders Southampton.
December
A satisfying 2-1 win against Pearson's Leicester started the month before victories against Birmingham City, Coventry City and Millwall saw Hull continue their winning ways.
An unfortunate 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough was to follow, but Hull have made sure that they will be in the playoff places going into 2012.
