After crashing out of the UEFA Europa League on away goals to Belgian side Lokeren, Hull City fans would have been disappointed they couldn't be part of a European adventure this season, as it all came to an end in the final qualification round at the KC Stadium, where on the night they won the game 2-1, however losing the game on away goals.
What can be taken positively however, is Hull's effectiveness in the transfer market, as they looked to build upon last season's achievements in their return to the top flight - and there will not be one Hull fan who is disappointed with Steve Bruce's installments this summer, particularly the array of talent secured on transfer deadline day.
£36.25m was spent over the duration of the transfer window, that on top of the money received for the departures, which included George Boyd who joined Burnely for £3m, Shane Long who Hull made a significant £5m profit on after buying him from West Bromwich Albion in January for £7m - further selling him to Southampton in August for £12m, arguably over payment but Ronald Koeman was in no position where money wasn't available to spend, after a monumental Southampton summer exodus. Abdoulaye Faye was released as was Matty Fryatt (who joined Forest) and Prodchwitz (Brentford).
Steve Bruce brought in a series of versatile and experienced players, and also future prospects, 18 year old Dutch forward Johan Ter Horst joined from non-league Folkestone Invicta, the manager awarding him with his first team debut in pre-season, too. Onto the bigger fees and Uruguay international Abel Hernandez joined the club for a club record £9.5m from Palermo. Jake Livermore made his loan move from Tottenham permanent, the Tigers paying £8m for his services. Michael Dawson signed from Tottenham too for a fee of £3m. Dundee United full back Robertson was signed for £2.85m on the same day as Sheffield United midfielder Harry Maguire, who impressed Bruce in their FA Cup Semi Final win over the blades back in April. Brian Lenihan was secured for £200k but boasts an exciting future ahead of him. Thomas Ince sealed a move to the KC Stadium after spending last term on loan at Crystal Palace. Robert Snodgrass brings to the squad further BPL experience after signing for £7m from relegated Norwich City.
Deadline day proved extremely important for Bruce, who secured four signings on the day which will have a major positive influence on his sides fortunes this campaign. Hernandez started the day the days proceedings when his lonely anticipated move from Italy was completed for the record fee. West Ham and Denegal midfielder Mohammed Diame followed in the evening got £3.2m. Then around 8pm they finalised a deal for Southampton and Uruguay international Gaston Ramirez on a season-long loan. Before arguably the best business of their window was sealed when they signed want-away Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa on a season-long loan from North-East rivals Newcastle United. Ben Arfa with undoubtable ability, just an attitude problem after falling out with Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, he has spent the last year decaying on the substitutes bench.
Overall Hull City should be extremely pleased with their proceedings in the window, and it comes at a great time after UEFA Europa League heartbreak. Bruce will be looking to go again and try and develop the team forward and build upon last year's achievements at the KC Stadium.