Hull City have relieved manager Phil Brown of his duties and placed him on gardening leave with immediate effect.

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

The defeat left the Tigers second from bottom in 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 completely 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 was unhappy with Hull's decision to relieve him of his duties.

"I am obviously very disappointed with the club's decision and the fact that I will now not have the opportunity to secure Hull City's status in the Barclays Premier League for a third consecutive season," Brown said in a statement released through the League Managers' Association.

"Although I am extremely sad to be leaving Hull City, I am very proud of my achievements during my time as manager, especially having led the team into the top flight of football for the first time in the club's 104-year history and ahead of schedule.

"It has been a fantastic experience and I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of the players, past and present, and also to my staff.

"Finally, I would like to thank the fans for their support and wish the club every success in the future."