As the new season kicks off on Saturday morning, Gaffer Millist will be hoping that the hull get off to a West Brom rather than a Villa.

With a lot of new signings and a squad fatter than the Manchester City chequebook (and that’s not just Big Dave) Millist has a lot of man management to do to keep the squad happy. With 27 players and another 6 looking to sign he has a lot of options, but by Saturday morning the die will be cast and the first squad and teamsheet will be waited upon eagerly by all hull’ers. Who will be in, and who will be enjoying the Pavillion Brownies and a cup of coffee on the touchline. Just the thought is enough to make Lee glad if he isn’t playing.

Will last seasons veterans get another chance, will Pete be put out to pasture, will Gaz’s agricultural style fit in with Millists short passing vision, how many times will Key storm off, will Tom hurt his hand repeatedly punching the floor after another miss, which keeper will get the nod, and will Millist look to set any records by playing the shortest midfield ever seen. More to the point, will the attack grow some teeth.

But it is a new season, nothing is won or lost yet. Last year is just a set of figures, and on the new Moseley pitches the team is starting to put together some decent passing as understanding and confidence grows. Is a mid-table finish too much to ask for this year? I think not, a couple of decent keepers when they remember to catch the ball, plenty of defenders, some of whom can pass the ball, plenty of skill in midfield, and Dan, and a few strikers that I have every confidence in to get into double figures for the season. That’s goals not appearances.

Onward and upward for the Hull, and maybe this time next year if everyone sticks around we can talk about whether it will be Hull Athletic or Hull Dynamo that are favourites for promotion.