STEPHEN Quinn says no member of Hull City's promotion-winning squad can afford to take their place for granted during the build-up to a new Premier League season.
Sixty one days after the Tigers claimed the runners-up spot in the Championship on a dramatic final afternoon of last term, Steve Bruce's side yesterday reported back for the first phase of pre-season training.
Fitness tests at the University of Hull precede a first full session on Monday, seven days before City step up their preparations with a first friendly fixture against North Ferriby United.
The countdown to face Jose Mourinho's Chelsea six weeks tomorrow has begun in earnest and Quinn believes the emphasis will be on every player to prove their worth.
"If you start resting on your laurels then you might as well give up," said Quinn, who started 41 of 43 league games following his move from Sheffield United last August.
"You can't think you're going to be a number one choice, no one can. Every single season you have to prove yourself and have that hunger to better yourself.
"You can't take anything for granted. You've got to work hard and train hard. It'll be a big pre-season for us. Everyone will be coming back sharp looking to prove a point. That competition for places is healthy.
"All the lads were excited to see each other again after going through so much together last season.
"Everyone's looking to get stuck back in and make sure we're hitting the ground running at Chelsea."
With the net still cast for two new forwards and a central midfielder, City's ranks have already been swelled by the recruitment of Curtis Davies, Maynor Figueroa and Allan McGregor, as well as loan stars George Boyd and Ahmed Elmohamady joining on permanent deals.
Quinn has been delighted with the strengthening and said: "There's been some great additions.
"Curtis Davies has been around the Premier League and brings that experience and knowledge to a strong defence.
"We needed a goalkeeper after David Stockdale went back and Allan McGregor sounds like he'll be a great buy.
"Figueroa is another one with plenty of Premier League experience and I'm looking forward to working with all the new boys.
"I'm not sure the squad ever needed a huge amount of change but we didn't have too many goals in us last season.
"I'm sure the manager is in the market for a new striker and if we can get one in I don't think we'll be too far away."
For Quinn, City's return to training comes little more than three weeks after his season finished with the Republic of Ireland.
As well as winning his first two international caps in friendlies against Georgia and Spain, he has also been able to toast the birth of son Ronan.
"Since promotion the summer's been so hectic," he added.
"Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, you get the first call up and cap for your country.
"Then it's the birth of your first child after that so it's been amazing really.
"Next it's the chance to play in the Premier League. I have to keep pinching myself."
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