Hull manager Phil Brown says he has full support of players

29 October 2009 13:54
Brown's position at the KC Stadium has been the subject of hot debate this week with bookmakers suspending betting on him becoming the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season.[LNB]Further doubts over his future were raised after Duffen stood down as chairman this morning, but Brown insists that a change at boardroom level will not affect him and that he still has the full support of his players.[LNB] Related ArticlesHull chairman Paul Duffen resignsHull dismiss Phil Brown sacking rumoursFears raised over Hull's financesHull City v Portsmouth: match previewFulham 2 Hull City 0"I think the players are one million per cent behind me and hopefully that will show in the performance on Saturday," Brown said at a press conference this lunchtime brought forward from Friday.[LNB]"As you've seen on the training ground there are some bright lively players looking to put their case forward to play on Saturday. [LNB]"The support of Paul Duffen was there for everybody to see, that's gone now. What is around the corner you can only guess, and only time will tell who is replacement is."[LNB]Duffen says poor results were behind his departure with Hull struggling in the relegation zone this season. But Brown has suggested that off the field matters were the main factor.[LNB]"I don't think it was on football results, I think it was on the business of football. It's difficult to separate the two, but you do tend to run a business as well as a football club."[LNB]Earlier this week concerns were raised over the club's financial stability but Brown was unwilling to discuss business matters and would only focus attention towards their Premier League contest with Burnley this weekend.[LNB]He was, however, keen to thank Duffen for the contribution he made during his tenure at the KC Stadium.[LNB]"We have had tremendous, unprecedented success with Paul over the last two-and-a-half years and I would personally like to thank him for all his support," Brown said.[LNB]"But unfortunately the game has and always will be about change. We have to adapt to it and we have to respond to it and like in the game of football, the quicker you do, the better for your team. [LNB]"We have a big game on Saturday to prepare for and that is my sole purpose at this moment in time. [LNB]"I cannot and will not respond to ridiculous speculation surrounding the business of this football club, whether it is reference to the accounts or replacement of Paul. [LNB]"I am here specifically to talk to you about the game on Saturday, but I will finish this statement by wishing Paul Duffen all the very best for the future from myself and all of my backroom staff." [LNB]

Source: Telegraph