Hull's former managing director Nick Thompson is not convinced the club can bounce straight back to the Premier League following relegation.
Thompson was at the helm when the Tigers secured automatic promotion to the top flight in 2013 and although Steve Bruce led them straight back following relegation in 2015, their latest Premier League adventure lasted just one season.
'It will be a very big summer,' Thompson said. 'I'm waiting in hope rather than expectation to see them mount a serious promotion challenge.
'They've got to get the right manager in and rebuild a squad that is capable of playing 46 games and various cup games.