THEY probably aren't aware of it but the likes of Ivan Campo, Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha have played their part in the Hull City success story.

Hull have captured the imagination of football romantics this year, with ex-Bolton player and coach Phil Brown masterminding their remarkable rise to the heights of the Premier League.

And much of that success is down to the transfer know-how Brown garnered from his six years as Sam Allardyce's number two at Bolton, who he faces for the first time on Saturday since leaving for Derby in 2005.

Campo, Djorkaeff and Okocha were typical of the shrewd signings `Big Sam' made in establishing Bolton as a Premier League force, men with the ability and attitude to bring his vision to fruition.

With the help of chief scout Bob Shaw, Brown has sought to identify similar players at Hull, with Geovanni, George Boateng and Marlon King proving to be astute acquisitions this summer.

Okocha was reunited with Brown on a short-term deal at Hull last season and that the mercurial Nigerian was required to play no more than a bit-part role as the Tigers secured their first-ever promotion to the top flight is a measure of their achievement.

"Where Sam was concerned, he learned to wheel and deal in the transfer market, and that's something I learnt," Brown told M.E.N. Sport.

"We've added good players to the squad at Hull and that's the reason why we've had such a good start.

Signings

"We brought 10 or 11 good players in the summer, adding to what was already a good side.

"There's been some key signings, some good free transfers and some loan signings as well, such as Marlon King.

"He's come from Wigan, settled down very quickly and got himself on the score-sheet. He's playing with a passion and a point to prove, and I think that's key to the ingredients of the squad we've got."

Brown may also feel he has a point to prove himself this weekend after being unable to secure assurances he would be considered as Allardyce's successor at Bolton.

Brown's first managerial appointment at Derby was short-lived and he applied for a number of positions before being given his next opportunity at Hull.

"You serve your apprenticeship," said Brown. "I thought the experiences I had at Bolton would stand me in good stead to manage them but that wasn't to be the case.

"I went to Derby and was sacked after eight months. I spent eight months out of the game and there were some dark times.

"But that's all behind me now. I came to Hull City and the rest is history."

In sharp contrast to the Tigers, Bolton have made an uninspiring start to the new season and Gary Megson has come under criticism from the Wanderers faithful.

"That's football," he said. "Even though Hull got promoted last season, if we'd have started this season with no points, I'd get some stick.

"As far as I'm concerned, last year's behind us, and I'm sure it's the same for Bolton. They survived last year, they've invested a lot of money, and that's the reason fans decide to give any manager stick.

"You have to justify your team, your spending, your scouting, and all of that can weigh heavily on a manager's shoulders."

Hull captain Ian Ashbee should return from suspension for the game, while record signing Anthony Gardner will not play due to a thigh injury. Bernard Mendy and forward Stelios Giannakopoulos are being considered for starts, who has promised “one or two surprises” in his selection.

Bolton striker Johan Elmander is set to return to the side after recovering from a groin strain.

Midfielder Mustapha Riga also comes into contention after an ankle problem sustained in the victory against Manchester City.

Manager Gary Megson will make at least one change as captain Kevin Nolan is suspended under the totting-up procedure.

Hull City (from): Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney, Hughes, Boateng, Geovanni, King, Cousin, Barmby, Garcia, Windass, Mendy, Halmosi, Folan, Ricketts, Giannakopoulos, Duke.

Bolton Wanderers (from): Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, A O’Brien, Samuel, Riga, McCann, J O’Brien, Muamba, Gardner, Taylor, Davies, Elmander, Al Habsi, Shittu, Smolarek, Helguson, Basham, Cohen, Fojut.

Hull league form: WWWLL

Bolton league form: WDLLW

Key opponent: Geovanni - Gifted Brazilian has scored five goals this season and is a danger from free-kicks

Prediction: Hull 1 Bolton 1 - If Bolton can carry their from through from last week they should earn a point

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 15/2 on Bolton winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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