Source: SKY_Sports
Defiant Brown - I'll fight on
A defiant Phil Brown has brushed off his critics as he seeks to guide underdogs Hull City to Premier League survival.[LNB] The Tigers boss has come in for criticism this term during Hull's rollercoaster first-ever season in the top flight.[LNB]Incidents to provoke comment include keeping the Tigers on the pitch for the half-time team-talk at Man City, bust-ups with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear, as well as the alleged spitting claims against Cesc Fabregas which is subject to an FA inquiry.[LNB]But Brown has shrugged off his critics, believing it is his job to stand up and be counted for the club.[LNB]He told The People: "It seems I'm the man to hate in some quarters but that's no problem. I'm just getting on with trying to keep Hull in the Premier League - that's my only priority.[LNB]"I've taken some stick for showing my emotions on the touchline, but passion plays a big part of most people's football lives and I'm no different.[LNB]Stand up"And if I feel there's been an injustice against Hull then I'll stand up and say something. Why should I keep quiet?[LNB]"There are people who would like you to say nothing, get back on the coach and stay quiet. But I'm not going to sit back and say nothing - no way.[LNB]"I'm fit and healthy and I can take the pressure. If the cameras are on me then fine, I have no problem with that. I like the challenge of being out there and I'm not going to shrink back into the dugout."[LNB]Brown believes the recent criticism comes from the spirited displays the Tigers have put in this season.[LNB]"The negative reaction we've had since the FA Cup game at Arsenal is directly related to how we've performed this season," he said.[LNB]"We've ruffled a few feathers, we haven't laid down and rolled over like some managers want you to do. We've given it a good go and will continue to do so.[LNB]Hard work"We brought hard work and the ugly part of football to the party and it's ruffled a few people but I won't make any excuses to them. The big boys are there on merit because they have the best players, infrastructures and stadiums.[LNB]"But we have come into the Premier League on merit, too, and we aren't giving that up without a fight.[LNB]"I'd love someone to give me £100million but it's not going to happen so I do the job with the tools I've got. This was always going to be a long hard road even when we were flying early season. We started off at Champions League pace but I knew it would tail off - and it has.[LNB]"We've played some great football this season, scored three at Old Trafford and two at Anfield but sometimes it's not all about playing football.[LNB]"People are tipping us to go down but it's not over by a long stretch. But to make sure we're safe we must find our early season form.[LNB]"But if you had told me back in August that with eight games left we would be 13th in the Premier League, four points ahead of the relegation zone with bigger clubs below us I'd have snatched your hand off."[LNB]
