Kevin Kilbane says Hull City can use his former club Wigan Athletic as inspiration next season.
"Certainly this season, Wigan got to that 40-point mark with eight or nine games to spare," the midfielder told the Hull Daily Mail.
"They didn't enjoy the best of results over the last couple of months but since Bruce took over, they've done well.
"We have to look at clubs like Wigan and think if they've managed to do it, why can't we?
"We have to look forward now. We'll strengthen in the summer, that goes without saying.
"We've done well to stay up and to do that in your first year is massive, but I believe we will kick on and become a strong Premier League outfit."