Twelve months is a long time in football - just ask Hull City supporters. From embarking on a campaign offering European football and potentially making waves in the Premier League, to now galvanising themselves for another Championship promotion push.
Many backed Steve Bruce to guide his side to a fairly comfortable mid-table finish, despite the distraction of what could have been a long, drawn-out Europa League campaign, but things could not have been more different for the Humberside club.
Here, Sports Mole assesses whether Hull can make an instant return to the top flight, or if the hangover of a somewhat surprise relegation is too much to handle in a highly unpredictable league.
In
Sam Clucas (Chesterfield), Ryan Taylor (Newcastle United), Isaac Hayden (Arsenal, season-long loan), Chuba Akpom (Arsenal, season-long loan)
Out
Joe Dudgeon (Released), Maynor Figueroa (Released), Steve Harper (Released), Jonathon Margetts (Tranmere Rovers), Paul McShane (Reading), Mark Oxley (Hibernian), Stephen Quinn (Reading), Liam Rosenior (Brighton & Hove Albion), Yannick Sagbo (Released), Tom Ince (Derby County), Robbie Brady (Norwich City), James Chester (West Bromwich Albion)
Last season - 18th in Premier League
Manager - Steve Bruce
© Getty Images
For most managers, suffering relegation - regardless of the division - often leads to serious questions being asked over their immediate future. Well-respected Bruce was always backed to remain in charge of the Tigers this coming season, though, until reports of a possible rift first emerged at the end of last month.
The experienced boss reportedly held talks with controversial owner Assem Allam, with real concerns over the lack of new signings heading into the new campaign. Clucas and Taylor could both play a part, but with the exit list now well into double figures, Bruce feels that more options will be needed if he is to achieve his aim of promotion.
Key Player - Robert Snodgrass
The Scotland international joined City last summer with a lot expected of him, but a cruel knee injury on his league debut saw him spend the remainder of the campaign on the sidelines. Snodgrass is likely to miss the first three months of this season watching on from the stands, too, but his return to fitness will provide Hull with a major boost heading into the second half of the term.
With the likes of Nikica Jelavic, Abel Hernandez and the injured Mohamed Diame each seemingly wanting to be elsewhere, it could be down to a player of Snodgrass's stature, who has been there and done it in the second tier, to help provide some inspiration. Should the midfielder find his feet, he will likely prove a cut above most others in the division.
© Getty Images
Possible starting lineup
McGregor, Taylor, Dawson, Bruce, Robertson, Meyler, Huddlestone, Elmohamady, Clucas, Aluko, Jelavic
First game: Huddersfield Town (H), Full fixture list
Sports Mole says
Hull certainly have a manager with plenty of nous, who can be trusted to guide a side into the top flight. However, the loss of certain players, most notably the talented Ince who swapped Humberside for a return to Derby County, could potentially cost the Tigers an instant return to the big time.
They still have plenty of quality in the squad, added to by the capture of the highly-rated Clucas, so it remains to be seen exactly where they will finish come May. Should the Tigers remain injury free across the season, then a push for the top two could be on the cards. But with a raft of players more used to top-division football, a year of consolidation is the most likely outcome.
