The Tigers face Burnley tomorrow still reeling from the departure of chairman Paul Duffen, who resigned yesterday morning amid increasing pressure on both himself and Brown.

City are 18th in the Barclays Premier League, but Brown has been encouraged by their results this month - with victory over Wigan and a goalless draw against Portsmouth sandwiching a disappointing defeat at Fulham.

He said: "A manager always relies on results, and at this moment in time we've got four points from three games. If we put our best foot forward again and get something from the game that would be a good return from October.

"October was a big month, and so far it's been fairly successful on the field of play. There was a disappointing result with the defeat against Fulham, but the manner in which we played against Wigan and the manner in which we defended against Portsmouth is what we have to bring to the table on Saturday.

"If we bring our best defensive head to the table and also put our best foot forward, then I am confident we have enough quality in the squad to cause Burnley problems.

"This situation is another challenge, or another chapter, in the life or the history of Hull City."

A small chapter will be written in Burnley's history tomorrow as well when 38-year-old midfielder Graham Alexander makes his 100th league appearance for the club.

Manager Owen Coyle said: "For me Graham Alexander epitomises everything we are looking for as a football club - a top quality player but one who trains and plays as if every one is his last.

"He is a terrific footballer and a terrific man to have about the place; he's a great role model, sets very high standards and tries to live up to them."

Roberto Martinez believes Portsmouth are showing signs of improvement as he prepares to take his Wigan side to Fratton Park tomorrow.

The Spanish boss said: "They are beginning to gel as a team and have been unfortunate not to get better results.

"They do not reflect where Portsmouth are - and they have not being getting the credit they deserve.

"It is always a tough place to visit, and we will have to be ready - because they will be very competitive."

Struggling West Ham travel to Sunderland, whose boss Steve Bruce may have a couple of injury worries - but is just happy not to have Sam Allardyce's problems. The Blackburn camp has been struck by swine flu.

"The flu is flu," said Bruce.

"If you get flu in a dressing room, swine flu or other flu, it's a nasty thing to have.

"Touch wood at the moment we've got a few knocks and bruises but no pig flu, thankfully!"

Also tomorrow, Stoke face Wolves - and Everton are at home to Aston Villa. On Sunday, Mark Hughes takes his Manchester City side to Birmingham.