Source: SKY_Sports
Brown thinking of January
Phil Brown has admitted that he is already looking ahead to the January transfer window as a crucial period in Hull City's campaign.
The Tigers made a stunning start to the season 12 months ago but then suffered a dramatic slump and only just avoided relegation.
Brown hopes his men will get off to a flyer once again but then realises he will have to be more proactive in bringing in fresh faces in the New Year.
He explained: "The lesson I learned from the majority of last season was to improve in January in terms of the transfer window.
"We only brought maybe one or two in the January transfer window last season.
"One of the main deals we were trying to get on the table was Jimmy Bullard and obviously it is well documented that he picked up an injury in his first game.
"If we get ourselves in a similar situation hopefully with a good start next season then obviously the transfer window doesn't need to be considered more seriously, but it certainly needs to be targeted to enable the second half of the season to be as successful and to give these guys a chance."
Survival
Brown accepts that he will need a larger squad to remain competitive for the whole season, although he is refusing to set any targets other than survival.
"In terms of the numbers of the squad last season, it was critical towards the end that we were using the full squad as opposed to using the same 12 to 15 players and consequently that took its toll on us at the end of the season," he said.
"The powers that be turned against us to a certain extent last season however there were three teams that were worse off than us.
"So long as we improve on last season that is the main aim this year. That leaves it wide open from 16th first."
