Phil Brown: Not A Must-Win Game Against Stoke City

Hull City manager Phil Brown says this weekend's clash with Stoke City in the Premier League is not a must-win game.

Following a week of changes at the KC Stadium which has seen Adam Pearson re-installed as chairman, there are suggestions Brown could be on his way if Hull lose.

To add insult to injury, Brown's side could be bottom of the Premier League by the time they kick-off Sunday's match.

It has been claimed that only a victory can save the Tigers boss his job but when asked if he was worried by such suggestions, the man himself remained defiant.

"I am not tired of hearing it - I am not aware of it. It is as simple as that," he said, as quoted by the Press Association.

"People are saying it's a must-win game but it's not a must-win game at all.

"As far as I am concerned, putting a performance in similar to the Burnley game will be sufficient to get the home crowd going.

"If we get that performance the results will follow. It is about putting our best foot forward in the first 5-10 minutes to get the crowd behind us."

Hull's wage bill of £36 million is a concern, and it is expected that they will have to offload a plethora of players in January.

Brown, though, would not be drawn on suggestions Pearson may wish to offload as many as 15 of the squad.

"He [Pearson] hasn't said that to me," he added.

"It's part and parcel of my job, trying to keep the players away from speculation.

"I look at my players on the training ground to see if the pressure is getting to them and all I can say is that they will be throwing their hats into the ring this weekend. I can't ask any more as a manager.

"We have got to keep in any positivity and keep any negativity outside the camp.

"With the amount of media pressure it's very easy to get distracted but where the players are concerned, going into the game, we are looking for a performance."

Andrew Southwick, Goal.com

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