Hull City icon thinks Phil Brown made a ‘big mistake’ with one decision, it’ll never be forgotten

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Hull City haven’t had many forays outside of the Football League, but their first Premier League season was iconic to say the least.

After winning the Championship play-off final against Bristol City thanks to Dean Windass’ wonder strike, the Tigers were in the top flight for the first time ever.

The 2008/09 season even saw them survive by the skin of their teeth in 17th before being relegated the following season.

Phil Brown was adored by the players and star man of that 08/09 campaign, Geovanni, credits Brown for being ‘one of the best managers I’ve had’.

Geovanni was also a huge fan favourite and scored plenty of long-range screamers. The Brazilian loved his time at Humberside under Brown, but there’s one incident where he felt his former boss was out of line.

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Geovanni recalls Phil Brown’s infamous half-time team talk

What most people remember about Hull’s time in the Premier League is Brown’s decision to tear into his players in a half-time team talk on the pitch against Manchester City.

Hull lost the game 5-1 on the day but after being incensed by what he saw in the first 45, Brown kept the players on the pitch and did his team talk in front of the away supporters who had travelled to the Etihad Stadium.

It wasn’t a popular decision and Geovanni believes that it was the biggest mistake of Brown’s tenure.

He told FourFourTwo: “He shouldn’t have done it. He exposed all the players and I couldn’t have disagreed more with that. I’m against anything that exposes the group but people make mistakes.

“He made a big mistake with that decision. We have to be humble enough to admit if we made a mistake but he’s clever and I think he learned something.

“It’s a good example of why we shouldn’t make decisions in the heat of the moment. It’s better to calm down, think and make a wise choice.”

Geovanni’s incredible Hull City record

The Brazilian enjoyed the best spell of his career with the Tigers and had two seasons with Hull before agreeing to cancel his contract when the club were relegated in 2010.

In his two years, he made 65 appearances and scored 13 goals, including several stunning strikes.

A true definition of a Barclaysman and to that, he is forever indebted to Brown.