Premier League Preview: Hull

Last Season: 16th

Pre-Season Prediction: 17th - Enjoy their Europa League experience they might but their toils abroad will leave them scrapping at the bottom.

On the surface last season was a roaring success for the Tigers. A season spent mostly in the comfort of mid-table combined with an FA Cup final and qualification for the Europa League meant Steve Bruce lapped up the praise for his management in their first season back in the Premier League. Ultimately though the combination of a long league campaign alongside the cup run eventually left Hull languishing in 16th, just shy of the drop zone after a disappointing end to the season. This lapse of form does not bode well for the start of this season, with a probable European run on the cards.

Steve Bruce is a man who favours this side of the channel as shown by his high profile signings of Tom Huddlestone, Shane Long and Nikita Jelavic all from British clubs last year. This trend has continued into this summer as Hull have signed five players, all English or Scottish, both in nationality and previous club. The notable signings of Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass provide flair and creativity in the wide areas whilst the permanent signing of Jake Livermore after an assured season on loan looks a wise piece of business. Harry Maguire has arrived from Sheffield United whilst the highly thought of Andrew Robertson has hopped over Hadrian's Wall to join from Dundee United.

With nineteen members of the current team stemming from Britain or Ireland, Bruce has established a core of home-grown talent, even if none of them actually stem from Hull's own academy. For a club or their size and with their wage capacity they have a well-balanced and compact squad. Bruce has already bought well to strengthen areas lacking depth but another central-defender may be required if he opts to continue sometimes playing with three at the back. Although Bruce, Chester and Davies make for a solid outfit, an injury to one or two of them would leave Hull well short of quality.

Pre-season friendlies were hardly of the most challenging nature, taking on the likes of Harrogate, York and Barnsley but they remain unbeaten and, in reality, were far more focused on their third round Europa League clash with FK Trenchin, which they won 2-1 on aggregate. Friendlies and European ventures combined Hull are unbeaten in six and will be feeling confident heading into their opening day fixture with newly promoted QPR.

Steve Bruce is an established top division manager but has really excelled up in Hull. Last year was a challenge but was completed with ease. This year takes the north-eastern team to the next level but brings up a whole new set of challenges that Bruce and his boys will relish. If they get into Europe through their final Europa League qualifying match then they may struggle over the opening half of the season. They will need to get some results in the opening few fixtures and in the second half of the season if they are to survive but with Bruce leading the troops, they should stay up by the skin of their teeth.

Key Man: Curtis Davies - Despite only having been at the club for a season, Davies is the most important figure in this largely British contingent. Captain of the side and defensive linchpin, Davies helps ensure both the back three/four are well structured and organised, as well as holding great influence over the rest of the team. Never one to shy from a tackle, Davies is built in the image of his manager, an old-school bruising defender who is also dangerous from set-pieces. The captain nabbed two goals last season and will be hoping to add to his tally in the coming campaign.

One to Watch: Andrew Robertson - Robertson may arrive from Dundee as a relatively unknown name but the likelihood is that things will be very different come the end of the season. After spending just one season in the top flight of Scottish football, Robertson claimed the SPFA Young Player of the Year, as well as making the SPFA Team of the Year. A quite remarkable feat from a youngster who spent the season before in the Third Division with Queen's Park. Often compared to Luke Shaw, Robertson will be one to pay very close attention to, especially later in the season once he adapts to his new surroundings.

Best Summer Signing: Tom Ince - Both Ince and Snodgrass will provide flair on the wings that was perhaps lacking in Bruce's side last season. Snodgrass has been around for a while but Ince has been on the lips of football enthusiasts for a few years now. Excitement stemmed from his 2012-13 season with Blackpool when he was named the PFA Young Player of the Year and put in the PFA Team of the year, similar to Robertson. He showed flashes of talent last year during the loan spell at Crystal Palace but now in his first full season in the top flight, how much will the talented youngster excel? Expect fireworks from the feet of the young Englishman.