Dowie determined to keep Hull from sinking

IAIN DOWIE admits he faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career after being appointed Hull boss with just nine matches left to secure survival in the Barclays Premier League.

The 45-year-old was unveiled yesterday as successor to Phil Brown, who was sacked on Monday following a disappointing run which sees the Tigers second from bottom. It marks Dowie's return to the game following a similarly short stint at Newcastle, where he was assistant to Alan Shearer in the Magpies' futile fight against relegation last season.

Dowie admitted the task ahead was the most challenging he had faced as a manager, saying: "I think it is because it's me that is on the line, but I am looking forward to keeping Hull in this division."

He added: "I'd like to see my future here for the long term. It's about me producing results – that is the game we are in."

Tim Flowers will join as assistant manager with Steve Wigley also joining the coaching team.