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Duffen reveals Bartlett split
Hull City, 16:49, November 15, 2009 ,
Ex-chairman Paul Duffen admits City's fight to stay in the Premier League put a strain on his relationship with owner Russell Bartlett.
Bartlett is now thought to be looking to sell the club he bought less than two and a half years ago, while Duffen has already paid the price for failing to bring in enough money to finance the Tigers.
Duffen told the Daily Express, "As the stress on the club's finances increased and our league position deteriorated, my relationship with Russell came under pressure.
"There was less room to manoeuvre on the business side but still an imperative to strengthen the squad.
"There was never any big falling out with Russell but it was clear we had different views on some critical issues.
"But he was the owner and I was the chief executive. The frustrations had been growing on both sides and I had already offered my resignation once before at the end of September. We had achieved some amazing things together but ultimately if you are prepared to accept the plaudits of 30,000 fans at Wembley in the good times then you have to be big enough to take responsibility when things don't work out.
"The guy at the top has to be accountable for the overall performance of the business, even though he is not necessarily in control of some of the critical pieces. I just hope the transition is as smooth as possible and Hull start climbing the table.
"I believe in the manager, Phil Brown, and the squad of players and I know that they can stay in the Premier League."