Hull City vow to spoil Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea

The newly-promoted side travel to Stamford Bridge on the first day of the season

Jose Mourinho addresses the media at his first press conference since being reinstated as Chelsea manager (GETTY IMAGES)

Hull have vowed to spoil Jose Mourinho's return party in his first match back as Chelsea manager.

Steve Bruce's newly-promoted Hull side are Mourinho's first opponents on August 17 at Stamford Bridge - but his second will be Manchester United at Old Trafford a week later.

Hull's Republic of Ireland midfielder David Meyler insists they can pull off a shock.

He said: "I'm sure the manager will have us all fired up and ready to go for that opening game against Chelsea.

"Jose Mourinho will do the same with his players and they'll be hoping to win the league. It will be tough, but maybe we can spoil his party."

Mourinho admitted it will be an emotional occasion.

He told the club's website: "Starting the season at home is a great way for our supporters to show the players they are ready to be behind the team all the way, and at the same time it is a great way for the players to show how much they are motivated and committed.

"I am so happy to start at the Bridge, but at the same time Hull City is a team who were promoted from the Championship and they will have that spirit, even if now they are in the Premier League. So it is an emotional but a hard start."

Manchester United's new boss David Moyes will get his season underway at Swansea, followed by Chelsea at home and then trips to Liverpool and Manchester City.

Liverpool kick off their campaign at home to Stoke, with their new manager Mark Hughes, and former Reds defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports News a good start was vital for Brendan Rodgers' men.

He said: "They'll look at that Stoke game - Mark Hughes' first game as well, so they'll be desperate to get off to a good start - it's a good game for Liverpool. I'm sure they will be looking to get three points and hopefully use that as a platform to push on.

"In the first couple of games, hopefully they can get three, four, maybe six points and get off to a good start.

"That's certainly what they need because Liverpool need to be doing a lot better in terms of challenging for the top four and getting back into the top four. They really need to make a good start."

PA