London - Paul Duffen resigned as chairman of Hull City on Thursday, adding a new twist to 24 hours of uncertainty at the struggling Premier League club.

The turmoil began on Wednesday, with an accountants report suggesting the club would have to raise a minimum of 16 million pounds (26.3 million dollars) next season.

There followed widespread rumours that manager Phil Brown had been sacked, with bookmakers refusing to take bets that he would go, but he reported, as usual, to take training on Thursday.

A Hull spokesman said a further statement would be made on November 2, with speculation mounting that their former chairman, Adam Pearson, who resigned as chairman of Derby County on Wednesday, could be set for a return.

"When I succeeded Adam Pearson as chairman of Hull City in June 2007 I was very aware of the responsibility to build on his legacy," Duffen said in a statement.

"I articulated an intention to take the Tigers to the previously uncharted waters of the Premier League and to the eternal credit of the players and coaching staff, that seemingly ridiculous ambition was achieved 11 months later thanks to a victorious debut appearance at Wembley in the play-off final.

"The start to our maiden top-flight campaign broke all previous records for a newly promoted side and ensured that 2008 will forever be remembered as the most remarkable year in Hull City's history."

Hull avoided relegation on the final day of last season but having taken eight points from their opening 10 games of the season, Duffen and Brown have been under pressure.

"Football is a results business and in the same way that I enjoyed the successes of the previous two seasons, so I must take ultimate responsibility for the disappointments of 2009," Duffen's statement continued.

"It has been a tremendous privilege to lead the Tigers on this amazing journey and I pay tribute to all the staff for their hard work and dedication as well as to the fans for their magnificent support." (dpa)