HULL CITY are hoping Joe Royle will be the man to save their club from Premier League relegation.
The Tigers sit second-bottom in the Premier League and, with nine games left, are three points behind Wolves, who are just outside the drop zone.
Phil Brown was sacked yesterday morning following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home against Arsenal.
And now Hull have placed 60-year-old Royle, who last managed in the top flight with Manchester City in 2001, top of their wanted list.
He has been offered a contract until the end of the season and will be offered an extended deal if he keeps the club in the Premier League.
Royle is expected to give the club an answer this morning. Chairman Adam Pearson has set a deadline of Wednesday to appoint a new man.
Royle has also previously managed Oldham, Ipswich and Everton, where he won the FA Cup in 1995.
Last March Royle took charge of League One Oldham on a caretaker basis but turned down the offer of a permanent position.
The Tigers yesterday parted company with Brown after a run of four successive defeats, and Alan Curbishley was immediately named as one of the favourites for the position along with Gary Megson.
But last night Tigers chairman Adam Pearson said of Curbishley: "He’s not on the (shortlist)."
Pearson said there were "about five" managers on his shortlist, and also admitted: "We’re probably looking at a deal to the end of the season. We will then ascertain where we are and what we’ve got financially before committing."
Brown’s assistant Brian Horton and fellow coach Steve Parkin have been placed in temporary charge of the team while a permanent replacement is sought, and Pearson said: "They’re definitely in there, they will prepare the team in the usual professional way, but I can’t say any more on their situation."
Brown has spoken of his sadness at the sudden decision to dispense with his services.
The 50-year-old is the most successful manager in the club’s history, having led them to the top flight for the first time in 2008 and then kept them there last year.
"I am obviously very disappointed with the club’s decision and the fact that I will now not have the opportunity to secure Hull City’s status in the Barclays Premier League," said Brown. "Although I am extremely sad to be leaving Hull City, I am very proud of my achievements during my time as manager."
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, March 16, 2010
