Dowie set to be named new Hull boss

(GSM) – Iain Dowie is set to be named as Hull’s new boss after Adam Pearson had to lower his sights in his search for Phil Brown’s successor.

Pearson favoured Mark Hughes, Gary Megson, Alan Curbishley, Avram Grant or Terry Venables to come in and keep Hull up over the remaining nine games of the season.

But with time fast running out to meet his midweek deadline for an appointment ahead of Saturday’s must-win clash with Portsmouth, the Tigers chairman has gone for Dowie.

The former Crystal Palace, Oldham and Coventry boss has been out of football since leaving Newcastle in the summer and would jump at the chance of managing Hull in the Premier League.

Pearson has spoken to Dowie, who was refusing to answer his phone when contacted last night or this morning, and could be in place within the next 24 hours.

Pearson is hoping the no-nonsense Dowie can give the Hull team the lift they need to climb to safety and relegation would cripple the club financially.

The ex-Northern Ireland striker was way down when Pearson drew up his original hitlist in the wake of Phil Brown’s sacking yesterday, but moved up the list as name after name was crossed out.

Dowie will take over on a short-term contract with the incentive of a £1million bonus if he keeps Hull up.

His position will then be reviewed at the end of the season when Pearson and owner Russell Bartlett will decide if they want to stick with him.