The 2013–14 season was Hull City's first season back in the Premier League after automatic promotion as runner-up from the Championship in the 2012–13 season. They finished in 16th place, with their highest Premier League position and points total, to secure a further season in the Premier League. They also competed in the League Cup, reaching the 4th round. They also competed in the FA Cup, reaching their first ever final in the competition.
Events
George Boyd signed a two-year deal on 28 May 2013 to become a permanent member of the club from the start of the 2013–14 season when his contract with Peterborough United expired.
Maynor Figueroa signed a two-year deal on 17 June 2013 to move to City on a free transfer as his contract at Wigan Athletic was up at the end of the 2012–13 season. The season's fixtures were announced on 19 June 2013 giving City an opening away tie against Chelsea on 17 August 2013. The season closes on 11 May 2014 with a home match against Everton.
On 2 July 2013, Hull signed Scottish international goalkeeper Allan McGregor on a three-year contract from Turkish club Beşiktaş for a fee of £1.8 million. On 4 July 2013 goalkeeper Mark Oxley went on a season long loan to Football League One club Oldham Athletic, but was recalled on 27 March 2014 after Allan McGregor was dismissed for a second time and suffered kidney damage in the West Ham United match. On 8 July 2013, Paul McShane signed a new two-year deal with the club.
On 15 July 2013, Hull signed goalkeeper Steve Harper, who was released by Newcastle United at the end of the 2012–13 season, on a one-year contract. On 16 July 2013, Jack Hobbs went out on loan to Nottingham Forest until the end of the 2013–14 season. Though on 24 January 2014, he was recalled by City to cover for an injury to James Chester sustained in the match against Norwich City.
On 19 July 2013, striker Danny Graham was brought in on a season-long loan from Sunderland. Though the contract was terminated early and Graham moved on loan to Middlesbrough on transfer deadline day 31 January 2014. On 26 July 2013, the club announced the signing of Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo from French side Evian Thonon Gaillard on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee. On 1 August 2013, Tom Cairney went out on loan to Blackburn Rovers until January 2014. On 2 August 2013, Corry Evans moved to Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee. On 9 August 2013, it was revealed that the club had been renamed Hull City Tigers Ltd.
On 14 August 2013, the club made a double signing from Tottenham Hotspur. England International Tom Huddlestone signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, while mid-fielder Jake Livermore joined on a season-long loan deal. The new squad number for the 2013–14 season were released on 16 August 2013.
On transfer deadline day, 2 September 2013, Conor Townsend moved out on loan to Carlisle United until 29 September 2013, while Cameron Stewart moved on loan to Charlton Athletic until January 2014. Returning to City on a season-long loan is Gedo from Al-Ahly, though this was terminated early, on 16 January 2014, by the club. On 19 September 2013, the captain Robert Koren was ruled out for four to five weeks with foot injury.
On 23 September 2013, Conor Henderson was signed following a trial at the club. On 26 September 2013, Conor Townsend's loan to Carlisle United was extended for two months. On 27 September 2013, Matty Fryatt went on a month-long loan to Sheffield Wednesday. The loan was later extended to 30 November 2013. On 1 October 2013, it was announced that Robbie Brady would be out of action for a month after undergoing a hernia operation. Following return. he experienced a groin injury that required further surgery, and in March 2014, it was announced that he would be out for the rest of the season.
On 11 October 2013, goalkeeper Joe Cracknell was loaned to Scarborough Athletic to cover injury to Jason White. On 7 November 2013, it was reported that Sone Aluko would be out of action for up to ten weeks with an achilles injury after a problem during pre-match warm-up for the Sunderland match on 2 November 2013.
On 21 November 2013, Aaron McLean went out on an emergency loan to Birmingham City until 1 January 2014. On 11 December 2013, it was reported that the club had formally asked The Football Association to change the club's name to Hull Tigers from the start of the 2014–15 season. On 15 January 2014, Assem Allam indicated he would leave the club "within 24-hours" if the name change was rejected by the FA. In March 2014, the FA membership committee advised that the name change be rejected. On 9 April 2014, the FA Council rejected the name change.
