Bruce predicts Hull exodus

Hull were relegated from the Barclays Premier League on Sunday following their goalless draw with Manchester United.

Newcastle's 2-0 win over West Ham meant the Tigers were condemned to the second tier of English football, along with QPR and Burnley.

Bruce spent over £40million on new players this season and acknowledges the club will be determined to trim their wage bill in order to avoid being plunged into financial crisis.

And he admits many players will want to leave the KC Stadium - although not all of them will get their way.

"There are a lot of players who won't want to play here," the Hull boss said.

"They will want to play in the Premier League, but some won't have the opportunity.

"It's a time to take stock now and make sure you are strong enough to mount a challenge.

"We have seen big clubs suffer from relegation. That's what we have to guard against."

Despite signing a new three-year contract in March, Bruce could leave the club too.

He added: "A contract means nothing in football, we all know that.

"The owner was trying to pick me up at the time to offer me it.

"I've had a kicking and I've always been up for a fight, I don't think it's the time to talk about myself.

"We all need a break from each other, we need to get away for the next couple of weeks. Let's analyse the situation and see where the owner wants to take the club in the next direction then we will go from there.

"Cuts are inevitable because we haven't got the finances we have in the big league.

"There's a lot of talking and soul-searching to be done in the next few weeks. It's all bitter and sad at the moment."

Bruce's opposite number Louis van Gaal has already started planning for next season.

It emerged after the game that the club had informed Radamel Falcao he would not be returning to United next season.

United had the chance to buy Falcao for £43.2million from Monaco, but after a return of just four goals in 29 games during his loan spell, there is little wonder they have not exercised that option.

Van Gaal told manutd.com: "Falcao is a top professional and a good human being. On behalf of myself and everyone at the club I would like to wish him well for the future."

The Dutch manager, who branded Marouane Fellaini "stupid" for getting sent off after a stamp on Paul McShane, will keep his phone by his side while on holiday in Portugal this summer.

"I am going on holiday but I will have contact with (executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward every day as he is doing the negotiations," Van Gaal told MUTV. "It shall be a heavy (busy) holiday."