Wednesday 14 December 2011 15:28, UK
Preston striker Neil Mellor and a number of his team-mates have expressed their disappointment at the sacking of Phil Brown.
Manager Brown was removed from his position at Deepdale having won just one of his last 11 games in charge. Several players used their Twitter accounts to express their surprise and dismay at the club's decision. Mellor tweeted: "Just found out Phil brown been sacked. Gutted I felt we were turning corner. 1st season after relegation very tough for every team." Defender Clarke Carlisle replied to Mellor agreeing with him and said he only found out the news after a call from Sky Sports News. Midfielder Conor McLaughlin tweeted: "Surprising news today regarding phil brown. Grateful for the opportunities given to us young players."