Thursday 7 December 2017 19:44, UK
Nigel Adkins says he wants Hull City to challenge for promotion back into the Premier League after being named as their new head coach.
The former Sheffield United manager took charge of his first training session on Thursday morning following the departure of Leonid Slutsky on Monday.
Adkins, who becomes Hull's fifth new manager in 17 months, says his first objective is to end a run of seven games without a win which has left the Tigers just three points above the Championship relegation zone.
"We are in a relegation battle. We need to change that around and win games of football. There's going to be a nervousness about us and that will take time to change, but we need to get organised on the training ground," Adkins said.
The 52-year-old says he is looking to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window with the hope Hull City can push for promotion back into the Premier League in the second half of the season.
He said: "Will there be a change? There are always the questions about transfers and contracts but I've just jumped in the football club so I need to focus on what I've got. Maybe in January we could look to strengthen.
"In football, you're not promised anything. The aim is that we will work hard to change our fortunes. The January window is unique but we have to do the best we can because we want to return to the heights of the Premier League."
The former Southampton and Reading boss, who had been without a managerial role since being sacked by Sheffield United in 2016, has signed an 18-month contract at the KCOM Stadium.
Adkins will take charge of his first match when Hull host Brentford on Saturday afternoon, with his first away trip coming at Cardiff on December 16, live on Sky Sports Football.
