Hull Manager Aiming For Award

Hull City manager Phil Brown is in the running to be January’s ‘Manager Of The Month’ along with four other Championship managers.

Phil Brown started 2007 well with an impressive 2-1 away win at the rejuvenated Sheffield Wednesday. Two goals in either half from Nick Barmby were enough to ensure all three points.

The Tigers then faced Middlesbrough in an F.A Cup third round encounter where a late Nicky Forster header, his first and only at home for the club, meant the Tigers had a second chance ten days later to knock out their illustrious opponents.

Queens Park Rangers were next to visit the KC where two late goals from substitute Stuart Elliott gave the Tigers a deserved three points. Phil Brown was slowly working City away from the drop zone and nine points from the last three games had masterminded their achievements.

Next came the epic F.A Cup third round replay that will be talked about for years to come. Despite falling three goals behind away at the Riverside, City stormed back to make it 3-2 with goals from Andy Dawson and a Jon Parkin penalty. As Mark Viduka scored Middlesbrough’s fourth, Andy Dawson rattled in a free-kick to halve the deposit.

With twenty minutes remaining, Hull had their Premiership opponents run ragged but an equaliser was not to be. Hull were applauded off as if they had won the game and their efforts must be noted when looking back on this year’s competition.

Four days ago, City again came from behind, this time to claim a vital point away at Crystal Palace. Had Dean Windass not been denied by the woodwork twice, City might have returned with all three points.

The month ends with the Tigers taking on Yorkshire rivals Leeds United in a crucial relegation clash. Victory for the Tigers would leave them ten points ahead of their local rivals and leave Leeds facing League 1 football next season.

To see how long remains until the next match, look out for the countdown timer on the front-page.

Phil Brown faces stiff competition for the accolade with Roy Keane, Billy Davies, Peter Taylor and Ian Holloway also in the running.

We will reveal the results as we hear them.