Bruce up for promotion fight

Kingston upon Hull - Hull City manager Steve Bruce said he was ready for the challenge of leading the club back into the Premier League following their relegation, if he is given the chance.

Hull's relegation was confirmed on Sunday's final day of the Premier League season as they drew 0-0 at home to Manchester United to finish third from bottom, three points from safety.

Last season's beaten FA Cup finalists needed a first win over United since 1974 and had to hope that Newcastle United would fail to beat West Ham United, but got neither.

Bruce, 54, signed a three-year contract with Hull in April, but acknowledged that that does not necessarily mean his job is safe.

"I've always been up for a fight," said Bruce, who led Birmingham City to promotion from the Championship in 2007, a year after being relegated with them.

"I don't think it's the time to talk about myself. I've not been good enough. I'll reflect on that and have a conversation with the powers that be.

"A lot of decisions have to be made, but I hope I'm given the opportunity to do so. We all know a contract means nothing in football."

Last season's story was one of success for Hull. They reached a first FA Cup final, losing to Arsenal, and secured their highest ever league finish of 16th, but this campaign has been one of toil.

Bruce spent £42 million on new recruits for the campaign but the investment has not paid off.

Key signings such as Robert Snodgrass and Mohamed Diame have missed most of the season through injury, while 8 million midfielder Jake Livermore was recently suspended after failing a drugs test.

United ended the match with 10 men as Marouane Fellaini was sent off in the 77th minute for a crude foul on Paul McShane, just 18 minutes after coming on as a substitute.