DESPITE all of the doom and gloom results-wise in the Premier League, the relationship between Hull City's manager and owner couldn't be stronger, says Peter Swan.
Well into the January transfer window, now is the time where Steve Bruce will come knocking on the door of the Allams, wanting to strengthen his side as much as possible.
Whether that will happen due to finances is another matter.
However, not once have the owners distanced themselves from Bruce's wishes in recruitment.
They've backed him from day one and I can't see a change in attitude in the near future.
They have recognised Bruce's spell of bad luck through players being injured, but they want the best for the club.
As does Bruce, who admitted to having three offers from rival clubs to move away from the KC Stadium. Each time, he has turned them down.
The mutual respect and relationship between the two parties will be key to the Tigers surviving in the Premier League.
There will be no knee-jerk reactions from the owners or the manager.
Instead, patience has been the way forward in both on the field and off the field structures.
Clubs towards the bottom of the league have seen managers come and go, most recently West Brom and Crystal Palace in Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew.
Whilst the two command respect instantly due to their past records, they are having to build relationships and trust with their respective boards in order to gain that survival.
Sure, Pardew arrives at Selhurst Park already a legendary figure, so that maybe doesn't apply as much to him, but City can gain one over their rivals through their club's stability.
Three or four results which don't go the Baggies' way, for example, could see fans turn instantly – but not with Bruce.
During the two-and-a-half years he's been in East Yorkshire, the Tigers boss hasn't panicked or come running to the owners giving strict demands.
The fans respect him, he respects the club and thankfully, he's loving his time here.
