Iain Dowie admits he faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career after being appointed Hull boss with just nine matches left to secure survival in the Barclays Premier League.

The 45-year-old was unveiled on Wednesday as successor to Phil Brown, who was sacked on Monday following a disappointing run which sees the Tigers second from bottom.

Dowie admitted the task ahead was the most challenging he had faced as a manager, saying: "I think it is because it's me that is on the line, but I am looking forward to keeping Hull in this division and establishing them as a Premier League force."

He added: "I'd like to see my future here for the long term. It's about me producing results - that is the game we are in."

Tim Flowers will join as assistant manager with Steve Wigley also joining the coaching team.

Dowie refused to read too much into last week's altercation between Jimmy Bullard and Nick Barmby, although he was insistent on encouraging unity in the ranks.

He continued: "Of course it is concerning, you don't want discord in the camp but you don't want to over read these things.

"I've been at loads of clubs - I was at West Ham with John Hartson and Eyal Berkovic - it can spark.

"It's very important we pull in the same way. No one is more important than the direction in which we pull, from the chairman down.

"We must be single-minded and selfless. It's not about individuals, it's about team unity. I'll be talking to the lads about that. It's not a concern. In the end, it will be my opinion in the changing room and that is the one we want to hear."