Nicky Barmby isn't surprised that Sunderland are interested in Hull City boss Phil Brown.

Barmby said: "The manager has got a three or four-year plan. The main thing for us is to stay in this League.

"If there has been an approach (for Brown) then rightly so. You look at what he and his coaching staff have done and it's been fantastic. It would be a great loss if the manager left but it is up to him."