HULL CITY: Last throw of the dice, says Taylor

FORMER Hull City boss Peter Taylor has described the move to relieve Phil Brown of his managerial duties as "the last throw of the dice".

Brown has been placed on gardening leave with immediate effect, with Brian Horton and Steve Parkin taking charge of first-team duties until further notice.

Taylor, who took the Tigers from the bottom tier of league football to the Championship in his time in charge, told Sky Sports News: "Because of the financial situation, if they go down it'll be very, very serious for the club.

"So maybe it's just the last throw of the dice.

"It doesn't mean Phil's a bad manager and it doesn't mean whoever takes over is a great manager. It's just sometimes a change of face all of a sudden lifts the club."

However, Taylor does not expect to be in contention to replace Brown.

"People know my feelings about Hull City," he said. "It was four incredible years there. It was a great experience and it was lovely to get them into the Championship.

"I feel sorry for Phil Brown because I think he's done a great job for them but I do understand maybe it's the last throw of the dice to try and keep them in the league.

"Me being interested in Hull City, I think that's pretty obvious – but I don't think I'm a contender."

Meanwhile, former Republic of Ireland international striker Tony Cascarino feels the sacking was long overdue.

Writing on his blog on footballpools.com, the football pundit said: "Phil Brown has finally been relieved of his managerial position at Hull after over three years in charge and my only surprise is that he has lasted as long as he did.

"Phil was always walking the plank from the moment the new chairman arrived at the club and it seemed only a matter of time until the situation reached a head.

"Hull City have had a horrendous year to 15 months on the pitch and their win to game ratio must be appalling.

"That's why I am surprised Brown kept his job as long as he has.

"In fact, with their record I would say he has been very lucky. It's not as if the Tigers have been playing incredibly attractive football and not got the results, but it's the fact that the results along with the style of play on the pitch just haven't improved.

"I can't say I know Phil Brown very well but he gives me the impression that he is a bit up his own backside.

"To put it simply, he looks as though he loves himself. Now, I could be totally wrong about him but everything I have seen points me to this conclusion.

"I didn't like the way he conducted his team-sheet on the pitch at Eastlands last season or his singing on the pitch when Hull barely escaped relegation despite losing at home to Manchester United.

"It all seemed a way of focussing attention on him and not on Hull City football club. There's a way of acting when you are a manager in the Premier League and I don't think Phil acted with much dignity at times."