Football Season Guide

Hull City prepare for a new era under boss Steve Bruce. The former Wigan and Sunderland boss has made a plethora of changes to the Tigers' squad already, building on the decent season under Nicky Barmby last year where City only narrowly missed out on a playoff place. Bruce has been given the funds to spend big on German striker Nick Proschwitz who has a decent record in the second tier of German football - whether that form will translate into the English game remains to be seen but his physical presence is likely to become the focal point of the Tigers' attack. Pace out wide will also be key with Rangers winger Sone Aluko providing a direct attacking threat, while City's goalkeeping problems have been eased by the signing of Eldin Jakupovic and Manchester United youngster Ben Amos on loan. Hull finished just seven points adrift of the top six last term and only a minor improvement in results will see them in the shake-up next May.