Hull will kick off the new Premier League season with the visit of champions Leicester on Saturday, but what should be a time for celebration in east Yorkshire is set to be overshadowed by fan protests at the way the club has been run by owners the Allam family.
The fan anger is just one of a number of problems that have beset the Tigers during a troubled pre-season that has most significantly seen manager Steve Bruce depart and leave caretaker Mike Phelan admitting he has been left with a group of players unable to compete at the top level.
Here’s a look at the problems Hull face before a ball has even been kicked for the new season:
No manager
Phelan will take caretaker charge for the season opener against Leicester with the club still to replace Bruce following his exit three weeks ago. Phelan has declared himself ready for management, but was clearly not the first choice of the club with other managers having been interviewed only for deals not to get done. An approach for Chris Coleman, meanwhile, was rebuffed by the Football Association of Wales.
No signings
Hull are yet to make a signing this summer and Phelan has admitted transfer plans have had to be completely redrawn after watching their targets go elsewhere. To make matters worse the player who netted the winner in last season’s Championship play-off final, Mohamed Diame, has left for Newcastle.
Fan protests
A Hull supporters group has organised a protest for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in front of the Sky cameras. Tigers fans are set to be issued with large red cards which they will brandish before kick-off to show their dissatisfaction at the Allam family’s ownership of the club.
Takeover uncertainty
Hull’s bid to bring in new players has hardly been helped by a lack of certainty over the ownership of the club. The Allam family have been looking to sell for a while, and it appears a deal is getting closer with prospective buyers due to be in attendance for the game against Leicester. A group of representatives for the potential new owners visited the club’s Cottingham training base during the week and sources close to the deal say talks are at an advance stage with only a due diligence process to be completed.
Injury crisis
Phelan will have only 13 fit senior players to choose from against Leicester and his injury woes do not look like clearing any time soon. His greatest problem is in defence, where Alex Bruce (Achilles), Michael Dawson (knee) and Moses Odubajo (knee) are on the long-term list, as is goalkeeper Allan McGregor. Midfielder Jake Livermore is set to be asked to partner Curtis Davies in central defence against the champions.
Tough start
Hull have one of the toughest starts to the Premier League with their first four home games coming against champions Leicester, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. Their first two away trips appear their best hope of points — travelling to Swansea and Burnley — before heading to Anfield.
