Duffen hits back at Tigers attack

Pearson used his programme notes ahead of the defeat against Aston Villa to blast Duffen, who resigned in October, allowing Pearson to return to the role he had held between 2001 and 2007.

Duffen, though, maintained Hull have "one of the lowest squad wage bills in the Premier League and amongst the lowest levels of debt".

He added in his statement: "The successes were not achieved through financial muscle but through partnerships, ambition, team spirit, collective positive attitude and a stubborn refusal to fail.

"I firmly believe that if those qualities remain at the club then Hull City have every chance of playing a third season in the Premier League and I wish them well."

Hull striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's CT scan has shown no damage. He was knocked unconscious in a collision with Richard Dunne and taken to Hull Royal Infirmary but has been released and is recovering at home. He misses tomorrow's match at home to Sunderland.