Brown's future uncertain after Hull chairman resigns

Paul Duffen has today resigned as chairman of Premier League side Hull.

Speculation has surrounded the future of both Duffen and manager Phil Brown in recent days, and the former has now officially vacated his post.

A club statement confirmed: "The club has received a letter of resignation from Paul Duffen, executive chairman of Hull City AFC and Superstadium Management Company Ltd, which has been accepted and is effective immediately."

Duffen took over at the KC Stadium from Adam Pearson in 2007 and oversaw the club's rise to the top flight for the first time in their history, which was achieved via victory in the 2008 Coca-Cola Championship play-off final.

Pearson yesterday resigned as chairman of football as Coca-Cola Championship club Derby County, sparking suggestions he is set to return to East Yorkshire.

Hull avoided relegation on the final day of last season but chairman Duffen and manager Brown both came under pressure following their poor start to this campaign, which has seen them take just eight points from their opening 10 games.

The statement continued: “The club wishes to express its gratitude to Paul for his outstanding contribution as chairman during a period of unprecedented success for Hull City AFC.”

The club will reveal more on their future plans next week, with the statement concluding: “The recruitment process has commenced in respect of the appointment of a new executive chairman and a further statement in relation to this will be issued by the club on Monday November 2.”

Brown’s team face Burnley at the weekend, in their first test after a difficult week for the club.

He is confident in the backing of his squad.

“I think the players are a million per cent behind me and hopefully that will show in the performance on Saturday,” Brown said at his lunchtime press conference.

He began the press conference by reading a statement, saying: “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.

“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 a game of football the quicker you do the better for your team.

“We have a big game on Saturday to prepare for and that is my sole purpose at this moment in time, and I cannot and will not respond to ridiculous speculation surrounding the business of this football club whether it be in reference to the accounts or a replacement for Paul.

“I’m 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 my backroom staff.”

Brown suggested it was not Hull’s form on the pitch which had led to Duffen resigning.

“I don’t think it was on football results, I think it was on the business of football and unfortunately that’s the case,” Brown said.

“It’s difficult to separate the two but one does tend to run a business as well as a football club and I run the football side of things and I remain in charge for the match on Saturday obviously.”