Duffen: Praise for Brown

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Hull chairman Paul Duffen says the reason for the side's superb start to the season is because they do not fear anyone.

The Tigers have enjoyed a memorable start to life in the top flight and currently sit third in the table after picking up four wins from their opening seven games.

Hull followed up their shock victory at Arsenal last month with a North London double after overcoming Tottenham 1-0 at White Hart Lane.

Duffen is refusing to get carried away though, aware that tougher days lie ahead with Chelsea and Manchester United looming in the next few weeks.

"Coping with the sunny days is important and, of course, we are enjoying it," Duffen told the Daily Mail.

"It is how we cope with the rainy days. We know there are going to be difficult times and games ahead but we really don't have any fear of any team and we will give it a go."

Good decision

Duffen helped appoint Brown as Hull's permanent manager in January 2007 after he impressed as caretaker boss and he believes the pair enjoy a good working relationship.

"With hindsight and 20-20 vision, I can say what a bloody good decision it was but it was the only important decision I had to make early on," added Duffen.

"There were a variety of alternatives. I needed to make sure it was someone with whom I could forge a productive relationship and embark on a journey in which we both had a shared goal.

"I formed a strong impression of Phil's man-management and resilience, and it was an easy decision.

"I felt Phil had the right balance of footballing skill, experience, personal qualities and that meant he was not only right for the job but that we could work together."