Last season
After a disappointing relegation from the top division, as many teams do, Hull struggled to come to grips with the fast paced and unpredictable nature of the Championship. However, having put together a strong run of form in the middle of the year, the Tigers found themselves firmly in the relegation shake-up, fading slightly to finish in the playoffs.
Having narrowly dispatched Derby 3-2, despite having a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Hull travelled to Wembley for the most valuable match in football against Sheffield Wednesday. Despite a tense encounter, the Tigers secured a 1-0 win thanks to Mohamed Diame, ensuring an immediate return to the top tier.
After a disappointing relegation from the top division, as many teams do, Hull struggled to come to grips with the fast paced and unpredictable nature of the Championship. However, having put together a strong run of form in the middle of the year, the Tigers found themselves firmly in the relegation shake-up, fading slightly to finish in the playoffs.
Having narrowly dispatched Derby 3-2, despite having a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Hull travelled to Wembley for the most valuable match in football against Sheffield Wednesday. Despite a tense encounter, the Tigers secured a 1-0 win thanks to Mohamed Diame, ensuring an immediate return to the top tier.
Backroom setup
Following this success, and the resignation of Roy Hodgson as England manager, Steve Bruce found himself on the shortlist for the next national coach. Naturally, this turned the head of the Englishman, publicly stating so in interviews. However, soon he would find that far from securing the England job, he actually didn't have a club role, with differences with the board seeing him leave Hull.
With Mike Phelan taking caretaker control of the Tigers for the start of the season, he must see it as a great job application to get off to a good start in the Premier League, but a poor one could be extremely damaging, both to his and the club's return.
Following this success, and the resignation of Roy Hodgson as England manager, Steve Bruce found himself on the shortlist for the next national coach. Naturally, this turned the head of the Englishman, publicly stating so in interviews. However, soon he would find that far from securing the England job, he actually didn't have a club role, with differences with the board seeing him leave Hull.
With Mike Phelan taking caretaker control of the Tigers for the start of the season, he must see it as a great job application to get off to a good start in the Premier League, but a poor one could be extremely damaging, both to his and the club's return.
Pre-season
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their manager, the Hull team have enjoyed a successful pre-season, though it must be said that the majority of their matches have involved teams well below their level. Starting with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Grimsby, Hull have since secured wins against North Ferriby United (2-0), Mansfield Town (1-0), Scunthorpe United (2-0) and Nottingham Forest (2-1), with another draw against Barnsley (2-2).
However, their greatest challenges came in their last two games. Having travelled to Austria, the Tigers made the trip worth it with an excellent 3-1 win over Turkish side Caykur Rizaspor, with Abel Hernandez netting a brace. However, in arguably their most difficult test, they came up short against Torino in a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their manager, the Hull team have enjoyed a successful pre-season, though it must be said that the majority of their matches have involved teams well below their level. Starting with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Grimsby, Hull have since secured wins against North Ferriby United (2-0), Mansfield Town (1-0), Scunthorpe United (2-0) and Nottingham Forest (2-1), with another draw against Barnsley (2-2).
However, their greatest challenges came in their last two games. Having travelled to Austria, the Tigers made the trip worth it with an excellent 3-1 win over Turkish side Caykur Rizaspor, with Abel Hernandez netting a brace. However, in arguably their most difficult test, they came up short against Torino in a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Squad and signings
Not much to report as yet in all honesty. Just Will Mannion from AFC Wimbledon in, and just Sone Aluko and Ryan Taylor released, while Mohamed Diame made a £4m move to Newcastle. Surely they'll make something happen in the next few weeks when the next manager is appointed?
Not much to report as yet in all honesty. Just Will Mannion from AFC Wimbledon in, and just Sone Aluko and Ryan Taylor released, while Mohamed Diame made a £4m move to Newcastle. Surely they'll make something happen in the next few weeks when the next manager is appointed?
Tactics
Without a new manager, it's difficult to say how Hull will play, but given that the majority of the side remain from that relegated the season before last, they have to do something differently. Using the pace of Abel Hernandez may have an advantage, but you do fear for the Tigers without any clear direction.
Without a new manager, it's difficult to say how Hull will play, but given that the majority of the side remain from that relegated the season before last, they have to do something differently. Using the pace of Abel Hernandez may have an advantage, but you do fear for the Tigers without any clear direction.
Predictions
Uncertainty is a form killer, and if you don't have any idea about how to get form in the first place, it may well destroy the club's momentum before the season even begins. Regardless of who is brought in, two weeks is nowhere near enough time to put together a team, so expect a sluggish start. Let's just hope it's not terminal.
Final position: 19th
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