Dowie takes Hull reins, insists basics are in place (Roundup)

Mar 17, 2010, 14:19 GMT

London - Iain Dowie was confirmed as Hull City manager on Wednesday, and immediately spoke of the positives of the Premier League job.

The former Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic manager replaced Phil Brown, who left the job on Monday after a run of four defeats that left Hull second from bottom, three points from safety.

'(Hull is) a city that has a ferocious fan base, the infrastructure is here,' said Dowie. 'It's an area that can more than justify having a Premier League team. I think there is some value in the team.

'I think it's a working-class area that deserves a team that reflects that - a team that plays with a bit of tenacious endeavour, that is aggressive on the field and (can) also pass the ball a bit.'

Dowie also paid tribute to his predecessor.

'I'm only going to talk about the good things Phil Brown has done, it's very important he should be recognised for the job he has done here.

'He should be applauded for his job, this is just a different chapter. I've had it in my life, sometimes you get curve balls.'

Hull face a crucial game away to bottom club Portsmouth on Saturday, the first on nine games that will determine whether they stay up or not.

'He is up for the challenge and we are in a position we need to fight and battle for every point,' chairman Adam Pearson said of Dowie.

'I think they are classic Iain Dowie attributes and I am sure he will bring that to this club and we are all in this fight together and we are looking for that fresh impetus to get us over the line, 13, 14, 15 points - whatever that is but we are still going to need to win four games.'

It is understood that former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes and Portsmouth's Avram Grant both turned the job down.