Hull City picked up only their second Premier League win of the season, and their third of 2009, when they overcame Wigan at the KC Stadium on Saturday.   The Tigers remain in the bottom three, as they still possess the league’s worst goal difference, but it gave under-fire manager Phil Brown a timely, possibly job-saving boost ahead of the international break.   And the club were further buoyed by news that club record signing, combative midfielder Jimmy Bullard, played 45 minutes, and scored, for the club’s reserves on Tuesday night.   However, a blazing row has developed between Brown and striker Caleb Folan over public criticisms the manager made of Folan’s attitude and ability, prior to sending him out on loan to Middlesbrough.   Concerns also linger over finances, with 2008 accounts for the club and its parent company Tiger Holdings still unpublished.

Goals from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Geovanni helped overcome Wigan, who seemed hungover after beating table-toppers Chelsea seven days previously.

Bullard, meanwhile, hit a 25-yard thunderbolt to signal his return to action after nine months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury, as Tiger’s reserves lost 2-1 to Bolton.

His display left reserves’ boss Aidan Davidson cooing: “Forty-five minutes was plenty for everyone to see that he was back to doing what he is all about.”

Bullard himself said: “I felt strong and I wasn’t worrying about the knee one bit. I feel good and I can’t wait to get back.”

Hull have earmarked their clash at Fulham for Bullard’s comeback, with the 30-year-old having an extra two days to prepare, as the game is on ESPN on Monday October 19^th.

They have arranged a friendly against Blue Square Premier York City next week. And if Bullard comes through unscathed, he will be set for a return to his previous club.

Irish international Folan labelled Brown “stupid” and “childish” in response to Brown’s criticism of the 26-year-old’s attitude in training during his scoreless four-match spell at the start of this season.

Folan said: “I’ve done nothing but perform to my best every day in training. But if he wants to come out with stupid comments like that just let him be.”

Refusing to “let him be” however, Folan continued: “He needs to concentrate on managing the team. They’re not doing very well at all. I think it’s just childish really.”

Better news on the striker front came from Brazilian Geovanni, who penned a new three-year deal earlier this week. In sharp contrast to Folan, he said: “The future is bright at Hull. My family are very happy here.”

City fans are still waiting to find out the cost of Hull’s promotion to the Premier League in 2008, let alone how much their first top-flight season set them back.

Accounts for 2007/08 were due to be filed in the spring for club and parent company Tiger Holdings. The club’s major shareholder, property developer Russell Bartlett last month resigned as a Tiger Holdings director, after just two months in the role.