Hull boss rules himself out of Sunderland running

Hull boss Phil Brown has ruled himself out of the running for the Sunderland manager’s job and reiterated his commitment to the Tigers.

Brown, who celebrates two years in charge at Hull today, was quickly installed as one of the favourites for the Stadium of Light vacancy following the resignation of Roy Keane this morning.

But 49-year-old Brown, whose reputation has soared this year due to Hull’s promotion and superb start in the Barclays Premier League, insists he is happy at the KC Stadium, where he recently signed a new contract until 2011.

Brown, a Sunderland fan in his youth, told Sky Sports News: “What’s gone on at Sunderland is Sunderland’s business and nothing to do with me.

“I’ve got to make sure that the next couple of years in Hull City’s history are proud moments for everybody in the area and that has got to be my intention, starting on Saturday.”

Brown, who inherited a side in danger of relegation in the Championship two years ago, intends to establish Hull as a top-flight force and is now looking to strengthen in the January transfer window.

He made 12 additions to his first-team squad in the summer and although he is happy with his current group of players, he will try to make improvements if the right players come available.

“We have plans in place,” Brown told the media today. “Scouting reports are coming in left, right and centre. We are covering a lot of Europe now but we are still a million miles behind all the big boys and the guys who have been in the Premier League for a number of years.

“But that is not for want of trying. We are trying to get better players."

One move Brown could make is to try to secure on-loan Wigan striker Marlon King on a permanent deal.

King, 28, has made a huge impact since joining on a one-year deal, scoring four goals, including the opener in last week’s 1-1 draw at Stoke.

However, with Wigan forward Emile Heskey linked with other clubs, Latics boss Steve Bruce could exercise his right to recall King should his England international move on.

Hull’s preparations for Saturday’s visit of Middlesbrough were disrupted by the weather today.

Overnight snow and morning rain left their training ground waterlogged and forced Brown to switch his planned session to Hull University.

Hull are making plans to build a new training facility west of the city to house their senior and junior set-ups a priority with Brown admitting the current set-up in inadequate for a top-flight club.

Brown hopes to have Dean Marney and Andy Dawson fit for Saturday’s game after a dead leg and Achilles problem respectively. Striker Caleb Folan is to have a minor operation to cure his knee problem and could be out for a further two weeks.