IS THE WORST OVER?
By STEPHEN IBBETSON
HOPES FOR THE SEASON
First and foremost, Hull fans are praying that the worst is behind them, the nadir has already been witnessed and the club can sink no lower.
Stones have certainly been turned in pursuit of positive momentum with a new ownership, new sporting leadership, new coach and a largely new squad from twelve months ago.
Will all that change bring tangible results? As co-owner Andrew Thirkill has himself acknowledged, it won't be a quick process.
Nobody expects silverware or even a top-six finish this season. A few wins and a bit of confidence will go a long way as a broken club seeks to heal.
Many of their winter signings under director of rugby (and now also chief executive) Richie Myler carry significant experience, which Hull hope will enable them to start on the long road back to respectability.