PHIL Brown was tight-lipped today when questioned about reports linking the Swindon Town manager with what would be a sensational return to Hull City under former club chairman Paul Duffen.

Duffen is understood to be in the process of putting a consortium together with the intention of purchasing the Tigers – now a Championship club - for a second time, after previously serving as the club’s chairman from 2007 until 2009.

Reports in the national media have since linked the 59-year-old Town boss with a return to the KCOM Stadium, where he served as manager from 2006 until 2010 – earning the Tigers promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history in the process.

Brown first took charge of Swindon Town in March of this year following the sudden departure of David Flitcroft, who left the Energy Check County Ground to join League Two rivals Mansfield Town.

Left-back Matt Taylor took charge of Town for one game – a 3-0 defeat by Cheltenham – before Brown arrived and oversaw Swindon’s concluding 10 fixtures of the 2017/18.

The 59-year-old then signed a two-year deal to remain in Wiltshire during the off-season, something he highlighted when asked about the rumoured move.

“That’s a question for Paul Duffen,” said Brown, when asked if reports linking him to a return to Hull City were true.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m in work. He (Mr Duffen) is putting a consortium together, I believe, to buy Hull City back.

“It’s always nice to be connected with other clubs, because of the success story we had there.

“At this moment in time, I’ve signed a two-year deal at Swindon Town Football Club.”

Amid the off-pitch rumours, Brown has been busy preparing for tomorrow evening’s third and final Checkatrade Trophy group stage tie against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.

A home win against Newport County coupled with a heavy loss against a quick-thinking Chelsea U21s side means a win is required tonight by Town if they are to make progress in the competition.

Even with a win, Town’s future in the competition will be uncertain – with Plymouth still yet to face either Chelsea or Newport in the group stage phase.

Differing permutations take the edge of the competition for Brown, who admits the competition is being used by Town as a stepping stone to improve league form.

He said: “To progress in this competition is also financially a return, but not massive – until you get to the latter stages.

“It’s about league exposure to younger players. All of that is well and good for the bigger boys.

“But when it comes down to Swindon Town in the second division – the league campaign is the most important part of our season.

“Getting minutes under our belt is therefore one of the key factors of this competition.

“The longer you progress in competitions, the longer you have an opportunity to be match fit for first-team league games – which is obviously the be all or end all.”