Phil Brown rules himself out of Sunderland job

Brown, who celebrates two years in charge at Hull today, was immediately installed as one of the favourites for the Stadium of Light vacancy following the resignation of Keane this morning, but has reiterated his commitment to the Tigers.

Brown's reputation has soared this year due to Hull's promotion and superb start in the Barclays Premier League and the 49-year-old insists he is happy at the KC Stadium, where he recently signed a new contract until 2011.

Brown, a Sunderland fan in his youth, told Sky Sports News: "What's gone on at Sunderland is Sunderland's business and nothing to do with me.

"I've got to make sure that the next couple of years in Hull City's history are proud moments for everybody in the area and that has got to be my intention, starting on Saturday."

Brown, who inherited a side in danger of relegation in the Championship two years ago, intends to establish Hull as a top-flight force and is now looking to strengthen in the January transfer window.

He made 12 additions to his first-team squad in the summer and although he is happy with his current group of players, he will try to make improvements if the right players come available.

"We have plans in place," Brown told the media today. "Scouting reports are coming in left, right and centre.

"We are covering a lot of Europe now but we are still a million miles behind all the big boys and the guys who have been in the Premier League for a number of years.

"But that is not for want of trying. We are trying to get better players.

"We have got competition for places in every position, so we are not going to flood the place in January. But if there are players we think can improve us we will bring them in.

"We have got transfer targets earmarked and if necessary we will move on them."