Hull City have confirmed Phil Brown has been relieved of his duties and been placed on gardening leave.
Brian Horton and Steve Parkin have been placed in charge of first-team affairs following Brown’s exit.
A club statement read: “Hull City AFC confirms that Phil Brown has been relieved of his managerial duties at the club and has been placed on gardening leave with immediate effect. Brian Horton and Steve Parkin will take charge of first-team duties until further notice.
“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.
“However, 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 complete 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 took charge of Hull in 2007 and guided them to the Premier League in his first full season in charge of the club.
After an impressive start to life in the Premier League the club’s fortunes plummeted and they managed to avoid relegation on the final day of last season.
However, Hull have continued to struggle this season with the side finding themselves in the bottom three for most of the campaign.
