Phil Brown’s plight became even more desperate on Saturday thanks to referee Mike Jones, who kindly decided that Burnley should get the three points in the Turf Moor clash. Can I just say now, I hate blaming referees for Hull City losing games. It is pathetically lazy, sloppy way to excuse bad performances.

I can only remember three occasions when I genuinely thought the referee ‘robbed’ the Tigers of points, the first in 2000 (I think) when Uriah Rennie awarded a last-minute winner to Torquay after Eifion Williams had kicked the ball out of Paul Musselwhite’s hands. The second was away to Scunny in I think 2003, when Steve Mclean was awarded a ridiculous non- penalty. The third occurred on Saturday, as Mike Jones served up a performance of ineptitude far scarier than anything seen on the streets of Burnley on Halloween night.

Much has already been written and said about the key decisions, and I’m sure you’ve seen them on the net or TV. The penalty was incredible. Sat 20 yards away, I wasn’t even remotely concerned that Jones would give a penalty for a foul on Tyrone Mears, who to be fair didn’t dive, just comically tripped over his own feet, akin to the last kid picked at lunchtime. A free kick awarded soon after, for a non-existent foul by McShane. At this point I lost my voice. I can’t remember the last time I felt that angry at a football match. Then we see the Geo goal that was amazingly chalked off, and the little Brazilian’s frustration earn him a red card, which referee Jones gleefully brandished.

Saturday’s game at Burnley did throw up some positives. The centre-half pairing of Zayatte and Gardner looked solid, and I’d be happy to go with those two for the rest of the season if we can keep them both (particularly Gardener) fit. Geo had another good game, spoiled by an unfortunate red card, which will hopefully be rescinded. Altidore made more of an impact than he has recently. Hopefully he’ll get a run of games soon, but I’d still be surprised if he starts ahead of Vennegoor of Hesselink just yet.

I felt sorry for Brown after this debacle. His side had produced a reasonable display which merited at least a point, but he was left with none, at a time when his future as manager is on the line. He’s lost his ally in the shape of Paul Duffen, and the manager’s position looks to be under real threat.

Brown made some good substitutions yesterday, changing the tempo of the game with the additions of Mendy and Altidore, and declared himself happy with a committed performance from his side. But is commitment enough? City are crying out for quality and leadership. Both could come from Jimmy Bullard, who will hopefully return (again) in the home game with Stoke on Sunday. Is it fair to judge the Tigers boss before his prize asset has a run of games?

Maybe not, but Brown has had lots of time to build his side, regardless of financial problems that seem to have recently beset the club. Should a new manager be brought in? Some reports suggest Brown will get his marching orders on Monday, and it’s getting harder to argue for him to stay on as results continue to slip away. Possibly someone like Alan Curbishley could come in and re-invigorate a struggling team that are seriously lacking in confidence. Whatever happens, it will be interesting to see what move Adam Pearson makes when his appointment as Chairman is announced on Monday.

Good luck Brownie, you’re going to need it!

Ps. Any comments/questions would be most interesting. Should Brown be sacked?
Cheers
TC