Hull give Brown his marching orders

Hull lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal on Saturday with Nicklas Bendtner scoring a last-gasp winner.

The defeat left the Tigers second bottom of the standings, three points from safety.

A statement on the club's official website said Brian Horton and Steve Parkin would take charge of the first team until further notice.

The statement from chairman Adam Pearson revealed the Hull board felt it had to act in a bid to keep the club in the top flight.

The statement read: "Retention of Premier League status is paramount and the board believes that a change in managerial direction is the correct option at this time.

"The club will keep supporters up-to-date in respect of any managerial appointment but, in the meantime, Brian Horton and Steve Parkin will prepare the team for our important game at Portsmouth next Saturday."

Brown led the Tigers to promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the club's history through the play-offs in 2008.

They enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2008/09 season, but a poor run of results after Christmas meant it was not until the final day of the campaign that they ensured survival.

The current season has proved just as tough for the east Yorkshire outfit, who have lost their last four games.

The statement added: "We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Phil for the major success achieved during a period of four seasons in charge at the club and wish him every success for the future.

"Promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and retention of our status on the last day of the 2009 season are unique events in the history of Hull City AFC and both were achieved under Phil's stewardship during a period which will never be forgotten by all connected with the club."

Brown apologised to the Women's Institute on Friday after 50-100 women about to march across the Humber Bridge witnessed an altercation between Jimmy Bullard and Nicky Barmby.

Brown took over as manager of Hull in January 2007, succeeding Phil Parkinson, and kept them in the Championship that season. They finished one place and seven points above the bottom three.