It's back to business for City stars

Fans are counting down to the start of pre-season training with Hull City's players due back in the next few days, meaning the new campaign is edging ever closer.

- By BARRY COOPER

Just 44 days stand between today and the first Saturday of the EFL season, but before then, City will play seven friendlies as Sergej Jakirovic looks to get his ideas across to the Tigers' squad.

Things are hotting up elsewhere across the EFL and beyond as clubs prepare to begin the hugely significant pre-season campaign, and it's no different at the MKM Stadium.

Here's a look at what's happening at the MKM Stadium and beyond....

One day to go

City's players will have been jetting off all over the world in recent weeks after the season finished, but they'll be back at Cottingham tomorrow and Friday to get ready for the start of pre-season.

Just like they did 12 months ago, many of City's players will return to the training ground, preparing for a life under a new head coach, with Jakirovic preparing to get to grips with life in English football. The Tigers' players will go through testing tomorrow and Friday before pre-season training starts properly on Monday morning, ahead of Jakirovic and Acun Ilicali meeting the media for the first time.

Andrews in the frame