Hull chairman Pearson defends Brown departure

Hull City chairman Adam Pearson has paid tribute to manager Phil Brown after placing him on gardening leave yesterday.

Tigers No2 Brian Horton and fellow coach Steve Parkin have been placed in temporary charge of the team while a permanent replacement is sought.

Pearson said: "They're definitely in there, they will prepare the team in the usual professional way, but I can't say any more on their situation."

Pearson also paid tribute to former boss Brown.

"Phil Brown's achievements at the club are unique," he said.

But the Tigers lie 19th in the table and three points adrift of safety following a last-gasp loss to Arsenal on Saturday, and the chairman added: "It's about an accumulation of points.

"I don't think, if we break down the season into blocks of nine games, we've ever got enough points. We believe we need another 14, and we feel that would be best achieved by a new managerial impetus.

"I'm sure the players are fighting for the manager and the club, but the bottom line is it (Arsenal) was the fourth straight defeat and the performance at Everton (in a 5-1 defeat) was abject.

"These are never easy decisions, particularly when you like the people involved, but all that matters is staying up. That is the harsh and ruthless reality."