Marco Silva in frame to become new Hull boss

HULL are closing in on their new manager, with Marco Silva set to be appointed before the weekend, according to reports.

The Premier League club have acted fast following Tuesday’s sacking of Mike Phelan, with vice-chairman Ehab Allam insisting the Tigers require a “fresh approach” to stand any chance of avoiding immediate relegation back to the Championship.

Former Olympiakos boss Silva has emerged as the unlikely favourite to replace Phelan, with reports suggesting a deal to bring in the Portuguese has already been finalised.

The decision to dismiss Phelan three months after he was appointed to a permanent role has been met with some criticism by supporters.

But Allam said the change was inevitable after their promising start to the new campaign began to fade.

Allam wrote: “Mike initially took on the role at a difficult time l ast summer, inheriting a small squad that had lost a number of players to injury, and with the transfer window already in full swing.

“He would also go on to lose a number of key backroom team members through no fault of his own.

“Despite the difficult circumstances, the team made a positive start to the season and money was made available to strengthen the squad ahead of the transfer deadline with a significant investment made in the signing of six new players.

“However, results have been on the decline since that time and, although there have been some positive performances in recent weeks, we sit bottom of the Premier League and I felt now was the right time to take a fresh approach and give this club and squad of players the best possible chance of retaining Premier League status.

“I fully expect to have a new management team in place ahead of the weekend.”

Ray McKinnon