Squad united despite bridge bust-up - Brown

Posted Saturday, March 13, 2010 by PA

Manager Phil Brown is confident his Hull squad remains united for their relegation fight despite a training ground altercation between Jimmy Bullard and Nick Barmby.

The duo had to be separated by team-mates during a warm-down session at a park next to the Humber Bridge just a day after the Tigers were thrashed 5-1 by Everton to leave them second from bottom in the Barclays Premier League.

The clash between two of the club's senior players was made all the more embarrassing as it occurred in front of more than 50 onlookers from the Women's Institute who were about to march across the bridge.

Brown denied the incident would be a distraction ahead of the visit of title-chasing Arsenal to the KC Stadium, saying the two players and club had moved on as they look to get out of the drop zone.

"They were very unfortunate circumstances that happened on Monday. I'm not condoning that type of behaviour, but it's a passionate game and emotions do run high," Brown said.

"These things happen when the pressure is increased, and it certainly is as we get closer to the end of the season.

"Nicky Barmby has obviously got himself involved with Jimmy Bullard and it's a sign that they care.

"There are no fractures within the camp. This squad is united.

"The players have settled their differences, it was back to normal on Tuesday. They shook hands and they are getting on with the job at hand, which is the challenge of 10 games in the Premiership.

"We have 10 big challenges and the challenge is to get something from the game against one of the best teams in the world footballing wise."

Brown, who was back at the club's training ground in Cottingham when the incident occurred, apologised to those who witnessed the incident.

"As I say, the incident was unsavoury, it was unfortunate. I'd like to apologise to the Women's Institute. I didn't realise there was a rally going on there," he said.

"There was apparently 50-100 women going on a march across the Humber Bridge.

"It happens on the training ground on a regular basis under the control of the football club, but it seems to have got out this time."

Brown will welcome back defender Andy Dawson who missed the Everton defeat after suffering an asthma attack as well as Dean Marney while Craig Fagan returns from suspension.

Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt will face a late fitness test on his foot injury while Anthony Gardner (ankle) is still at least a month away from a return.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger feels Arsenal are finally beginning to see the best of "extrovert" Emmanuel Eboue - whom the Gunners boss firmly believes can become the "complete player".

The versatile Ivory Coast international, 26, came off the bench to net a fine goal in the midweek 5-0 thrashing of Porto as a rampant Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Eboue has endured an often difficult relationship with some of the Emirates Stadium faithful - most notably when he had to be substituted after coming on against Wigan in December 2008 and receiving a tough reception which left him visibly upset as he trudged off to sarcastic cheers.

That, though, is now very much water under the bridge for the jovial African, who has since found cult status among the Gunners fans after becoming one of the most consistent performers in the squad.

Wenger believes Eboue's presence is a welcome addition, both on the pitch and at the training ground.

"He was criticised last year and came back with the right attitude - put the right performances in and people will love you," said the Arsenal boss.

"When you are a football player, you are not loved for what you say, but for what you produce on the football pitch. Sometimes we tend to forget that, but Eboue did that right.

"He is developing into a complete player - he can play full-back, right midfield, left midfield. He is a great football player.

"Emmanuel Eboue starts now to get the credit he deserves. He has a fantastic attitude and loves the game."

Wenger added: "He is an extrovert who has some talents not only on the football pitch, but he can be funny.

"He uses that in a very positive way for a good mood in the squad."

With Bacary Sagna struggling to be fit to face Hull tomorrow because of an ankle problem, Eboue could again be deployed at right-back, while also looking to get forwards as much as possible.