Hull more than happy to get the Blues as first assignment

The top-flight newcomers from East Yorkshire head to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea in one of the outstanding fixtures of the 
2013-14 season curtain raiser on August 17.

Mourinho will be hoping to start his second spell with a bang as Chelsea bid to regain the title they last won in 2009-10, coincidentally after they opened the season at the Bridge against Hull.

But although Hull will be among the favourites to go straight back down to the Championship, Mourinho is wary of the threat posed by Steve Bruce’s side.

“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,” said the Portuguese.

“So it is an emotional but a hard start.

“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.”

Bruce’s son and Hull defender Alex led the Tigers players in celebrating the exciting start for the Football League newcomers.

He tweeted: “Chelsea away first game...welcome to the big league! Some great games to look forward to, can’t wait.”

Hull also visit Manchester City in the first fortnight of the season and have a Boxing Day fixture to savour – at home to champions Manchester United.

United begin the defence of their title at League Cup winners Swansea.

New manager David Moyes takes his team to South Wales on August 17, before Mourinho’s Chelsea visit Old Trafford the following weekend. A match at Liverpool follows for United on August 31.

Manuel Pellegrini’s reign as Manchester City boss starts with a home match against Newcastle, who confirmed Joe Kinnear as their director of football yesterday. Arsenal are at home to Aston Villa.

The North London encounter is the start of a testing opening to the season for Villa, who have a home match against Liverpool and a trip to Chelsea in the following two games.

Crystal Palace’s first game back in the top flight is against Tottenham at Selhurst Park. Cardiff – Championship winners last season – start at West Ham then have home games against Manchester City and Everton.

Roberto Martinez’s first competitive match as Toffees manager is at Norwich, while Merseyside rivals Liverpool start with a home game against Stoke, now managed by Mark Hughes.

Sunderland start with a home match against Fulham, while West Brom face Southampton at The Hawthorns.

The season wraps up on May 11, with three of the expected title chasers finishing on the road. Chelsea head to Cardiff, Manchester United go to Southampton and Arsenal are at Norwich, with Manchester City at home to West Ham. Hull host Everton.