Pearson sure Hull can still avoid the drop

CHAIRMAN Adam Pearson is adamant Hull's new manager will have time to make an impact as the club bids to stave off relegation.

The Tigers axed boss Phil Brown yesterday following a losing run which was extended to four games by Saturday's stoppage-time setback against Arsenal. They lie one place off the bottom of the table and three points adrift of safety.

But Pearson said: "There are nine games to go and 27 points to play with, so there is time to turn it round." Pearson has drawn up a five-man shortlist to replace 50-year-old Brown – though he confirmed that Alan Curbishley is not among that number.

Brown's erstwhile assistant Brian Horton has joined fellow coach Steve Parkin in caretaker charge.