Hull seeks new manager

the blue.
Brown was thought to be one game away from the sack at the time of Pearson's return following a poor start to the season but he appeared to have weathered the storm.

A dramatic win over Stoke on November 8 sparked a mini-revival and performances since, if not results, suggested the manager had not lost the dressing room.

Brown, however, did have to apologise last week after members of the Women's Institute witnessed a public bust-up between team-mates Nick Barmby and Jimmy Bullard during a training exercise close to the Humber Bridge.

Duffen, a strong supporter of Brown during his time at the helm, believes Hull may already have a successor lined up.

"These things rarely happen as knee-jerk decisions," Duffen said.

"Some of the bookies slashed the odds last week for Phil to be sacked and I'm sure there will have been conversations and movements going on in the background long before today.

"I would be surprised if there isn't a new manager already pencilled in."
Hull was Brown's second managerial assignment after failing during a previous spell at Derby.

The former Bolton assistant boss was appointed in January 2007 having worked as assistant to his predecessor Phil Parkinson.

He saved the club from relegation from the Championship that year and then gloriously led them to promotion via the play-offs 12 months later.

Hull then made a remarkable start to life in the Premier League, taking 20 points from its first nine games, but form deserted it and it only survived relegation on the final day of the season.

This term has been a struggle and Brown, despite taking points off Chelsea and Manchester City last month, has now paid the price.