HULL City fans have said Phil Brown will always be remembered as the man who took the Tigers into English football's top flight.

Giving their reaction to the City manager's departure from the KC Stadium, shocked supporters said this achievement will forever define his time at the club.

Despite the Tigers' perilous position, second from bottom, in the Premier League, members of the Black and Amber faithful said they did not think Brown would be relieved of his duties so late in the season.

As first reported on the Mail's website yesterday, a statement from club chairman Adam Pearson said Brown had been placed on gardening leave with immediate effect, with Brian Horton and Steve Parkin taking charge of the first team until further notice.

Under the terms of his £1.4m a year contract, it is thought Brown will still be getting paid by City, although the club will be looking to secure a settlement soon.

The club's announcement brought to an end a rollercoaster tenure, which began as caretaker boss in December 2006.

Brown oversaw a successful battle against Championship relegation, Premier League promotion and, narrowly last season, survival in the top flight.

His demonstrative touchline demeanour – complete with trademark sharp suits and brown shoes – also made Brown a high profile figure.

Ian Garmston, secretary of the Cottingham branch of the Hull City Official Supporters' Group, said the manager's exit was a "sad loss" for the club.

He said: "I was absolutely gobsmacked when I heard Brown had left at such a late stage of the season.

"I had a lot of time for Brown. It was his passion on the touchline.

"He lived and breathed every kick on the pitch and gave 100 per cent."

The Tigers suffered their 15th league defeat of the season last Saturday, losing 2-1 against Arsenal.

They are currently second from bottom in the Premier League, with nine games left.

Of 157 games in charge, Brown won 52, drew 40 and lost 65.

But it was how he led City to the top flight of English football for the first time in the club's 104-year history that will be Brown's overriding achievement for many fans.

Peter Needler, 63, from Beverley, said: "Brown will always be remembered as the manager who took us to the Premier League for the first time.

"I was surprised to hear he had gone, but I think it was down to the results."

Danny Duggan, 24, from Willerby, said: "To sack Phil Brown at this stage in the season is a very poor decision. Bringing in a new manager with only nine games to go, in my opinion, is going to do no justice to the club at all."

See today's Mail for more on Phil Brown's departure, in both words and pictures, including:

What both Brown and the club said in full

Brown's public image and the 'man behind the tan'

A timeline charting the highs and lows of his time in charge of Hull City

How Internet rumours about Brown's departure led to a day drama.