Albion boss Micky Adams has revealed the hurt of being replaced by Kevin Keegan.

He says his sacking by Fulham was a "massive blow" to his pride.

England coach Keegan was appointed manager at Fulham by Mohamed Al Fayed after Adams steered them to promotion from the Third Division.

The Seagulls' supremo, fresh from his manager of the month award for September and a pay rise, has finally broken his silence over his controversial exit from Craven Cottage.

"The award means an enormous amount to me," Adams said. "When I left Fulham I questioned myself and my ability. Any manager does that when he is sacked.

"Fulham hurt. It was a massive blow to my pride, but the more awards I get shows I am not too bad."

Winning manager of the month is traditionally the signal for a slump in form.

Adams believes his players are well equipped to buck that trend at Hull tonight in Bob Booker's first match as his assistant.

"Last season I won it in March and then we continued on an unbeaten run," Adams said. "I'm not worried about it and I don't expect my players to be.

"We are more resilient than last season. I have got better players and more flair.

"They realise to be successful we have got to sustain our form. If we go on a run like last season of 14 undefeated then we won't be too far away."

Albion, unbeaten for seven matches, are expected to be unchanged for the seventh game in a row if goalkeeper Mark Cartwright passes a late test on a groin problem.

Fit-again Scott Ramsay joined the squad which travelled to Humberside yesterday seeking a club record fifth successive League win without conceding a goal.