The 6-1 loss to Liverpool at the weekend has placed Hull boss Phil Brown's relationship with some of his players under strain. "Certain people in the dressing room are backing away from their responsibility," Brown told The Guardian. "You would have to be a blind man not to see that.

"Look at the teenage lad (Liam Cooper) making his debut. They should have helped him but didn't and he could be scarred for a long time by that.

"The most important relationship in any football club is between the manager and chairman but the relationship between manager and players is important, too.

"It has taken a battering to a certain extent with certain harsh words flying around.

"This is the biggest challenge of my managerial career but I am confident we can confront it head on and win this challenge."