Premier League: Hull City sack manager Mike Phelan

Struggling Hull City decided to part company with manager Mike Phelan after just 85 days in charge as permanent boss. Phelan had previously done the job on interim basis for 81 days after previous manager Steve Bruce resigned following a breakdown in his relationship with vice-chairman Ehab Allam. Hull gained promotion from the Championship under Steve Bruce but the club started the Premier League campaign with just 13 fit senior players. Despite the difficulties, Mike Phelan led the club to consecutive wins at the start of the season, but eventually the problems caught up with the Tigers, who are now at the bottom of the Premier League table after five defeats in the last seven games. The club's future is still uncertain as it is still up for sale, but maintaining the Premier League status would guarantee a steady cash flow from TV rights and sponsorships. Former Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett is the favourite for the Hull City job, he is 1/2 at Sky Sports to become the new boss at the KCOM Stadium. Former Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew is also considered for the job, he is 4/1 to take it, while Chris Coleman is at 6/1 and Roy Hodgson at 8/1. Hull City have two cup games coming up, they face Swansea in the FA Cup this week, while next week they will take on Manchester United in the first leg of the League Cup semi-finals.