Hull manager Phil Brown admits last night's thrashing by Tottenham has emphasised his need to strengthen the squad.

The Tigers were crushed 5-1 at the KC Stadium in their second Barclays Premier League match of the season.

Brown has spent most of the summer transfer window trying to bring in fresh faces but has missed out on a number of targets.

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo is the latest high-profile player to turn down the chance of a move to Hull and Brown now seems unlikely to rest until the September 1 deadline passes.

Brown said: "We came up against classy opposition that showed us how to play the game.

"We are probably a million miles away from that at this point in time, the scoreline suggests that.

"There is no excuse for not working hard enough and not working towards the gameplan and one or two didn't.

"We were at full tilt with everything we did but they looked in total control. The gulf was there for everyone to see.

"We certainly need better players. We need players that are going to do the job for Hull City to the best of their ability and are going to listen to instructions I give before we go out there.

"We need everyone in the camp singing from the same hymnsheet."

Hull have not won in 12 Premier League games stretching back to March and only once at all in 2009.

They were handed a tough opening to the new campaign with a trip to Chelsea followed by a home clash against Spurs but already there is cause for concern.

"I think we were working but not working with any kind of thought process," Brown said.

"Too many individuals out there weren't listening to instructions, weren't listening to gameplans and consequently they played around us too easily.

"Chelsea away and Tottenham at home were two very difficult games to get anything from.

"Now the pressure is on us to get a point or points on Saturday and the same at Wolves a week later."

Hull's poor start last night meant they were 2-0 down after just 14 minutes and striker Daniel Cousin was substituted soon after.

The introduction of Geovanni in his place briefly revived Hull and Stephen Hunt pulled a goal back but Spurs were eventually convincing winners as Jermain Defoe completed a hat-trick.

Cousin looked very unimpressed as he was taken off but Brown insisted he had no issue with his performance.

Brown said: "I would be disappointed. He obviously didn't understand it was a tactical decision so he's hurting.

"But I didn't bring him off, the players who let the side down brought Daniel Cousin off."