Tigers plan to respond to 'kick up the backside'

championship

Ian Appleyard

HULL CITY manager Nigel Pearson insists that off-the-field stability is ‘crucial’ as the club strive to adjust to life back in the Championship.

Egyptian-born businessman Assem Allam has tabled a 12m bid for the Tigers, which is likely to be accepted or rejected next week.

There is also interest from a consortium with links to an American bank.

Pearson, who took over as manager following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, said: “I’ve got my remit at the moment and the hierarchy will do what they can to stabilise the club on another level.

“The stability off the field is crucial but that’s something that cannot occupy too much of my time. What I do know is that any decision that’s made will be made in the best interests of the club.”

The Tigers have won just three of the first 12 games this season and sit 19th in the table, only two points above the relegation zone.

Pearson is demanding an improved performance against Portsmouth today after his players were jeered off the field following the midweek defeat at home to Sheffield United.

“Tuesday was maybe a kick up the backside for us,” said Pearson. “The biggest criticism was that we had a lot of possession but weren’t positive enough with it. We need to create more opportunities for ourselves.

“It will be a tough game and Portsmouth have some good players. They have had one or two good results of late and we’ll have to be near our best to win the game.”

Former England midfielder Jimmy Bullard is again sidelined by knee trouble for Hull but summer signing James Harper is standing by to make his debut after breaking a foot during pre-season.

Portsmouth, who were also relegated from the Premier League, entered administration in February with debts of 120m. Club officials are finally hoping to exit administration before the end of the month.