The Tigers were beaten 1-0 by an under-strength Manchester United at the KC Stadium but clung on to their Barclays Premier League place courtesy of Newcastle's loss at Aston Villa.

Brown went onto the pitch and sang a rendition of the supporters' "This is the best trip I've ever been on" refrain before inviting his players to embark on a lap of honour.

Hull's survival was a remarkable story with the team having taken 20 points from their first nine games but then won just two of their next 29.

Brown said: "I think everyone has expected us this season to be one of the bottom three and I think we have proved a lot of people wrong.

"How we have done it has been different - especially after those first nine games.

"It wasn't about the one today but the 37 before that and I don't think anyone can have any complaints.

"We got to where we got to with sheer guts, determination, drive - all of the things that have been questioned at times."

Hull were beaten by a stunning strike from United youngster Darron Gibson, who fired home from distance midway through the first half.

That goal put Hull into the relegation zone, as things stood, but the mood lifted before half-time as news of a Villa goal filtered through.

Hull then had to battle through a nervy second half and despite failing to improve their own situation, the news from elsewhere remained good.

Brown added: "It was at times unbearable because 1-0 is such an important scoreline.

"It can win and lose you games but you are never out of the game.

"With both games being 1-0 I was looking at Ian Ashbee and Jimmy Bullard behind the dug-out, both with telephones.

"Did we have to score a goal or could we afford to lose 1-0? That was a negative vibe I'm not used to - but it was enough."

The demise of Newcastle and the future of manager Alan Shearer is now likely to dominate the headlines.

Brown added: "I have empathy as opposed to sympathy with any manager that gets relegated.

"It went to the wire and he gave it his best shot and unfortunately they failed."

In just over two years in charge at Hull, Brown has now successfully avoided relegation from the Championship, won promotion to the Premier League and kept them there.

He added: "It's the best day of my career as a player, a coach and a manager - even greater than beating Bristol City at Wembley, by a long way."

Brown now intends to enjoy his 50th birthday next week but admits his recent comment that he would celebrate by riding a Harley Davidson across the south of France was tongue in cheek.

He added: "That was just a bit of fun at the time! I'm going away with my family to relax, but it won't be for too long.

"We're now in a race with 19 other teams to sign players to improve us again."

As for his singing, he had no regrets.

He added: "I enjoyed that at the end - it was nice to see all the fans in the stadium."

Much was made of United's possible line-up ahead of the game as manager Sir Alex Ferguson turned his attention Wednesday's Champions League final.

As expected, Ferguson rested his biggest names and made 10 changes to field a side with an average age of 23.

The only player retained from the side which clinched the Premier League title against Arsenal last week was midfielder Darren Fletcher, who is suspended for the Rome showdown with Barcelona.

Scotland international Fletcher was impressed with the youngsters who featured and told the BBC: "There are a lot of young players here with a lot to prove and they don't get many chances.

"It was a great Manchester United squad and whenever they do get the chance it is important they go out and take it.

"I thought most of them did that today, it was a good result.

"Any away game in the Premier League is difficult but it was against a Hull team that were battling for their lives.

"That made it even more difficult and to win the match was important.

"They are going to learn from mistakes. The more they play in the first team the more they will learn from it.

"Everyone makes mistakes in games but it's how you deal with it, don't let it affect you.

"You've seen today they were confident, especially in the last 15 minutes.

"They were knocking the ball about and we knew we had the match won.

"Hull didn't come out, we just kept the ball and showed great maturity."

Fletcher must now take an enforced back seat as United attempt to retain their European crown this week.

The Scotland international added: "I will travel, I'll travel as a fan. I'll be like all the rest of the United fans, cheering the lads on, hoping we won the trophy.

"It was the squad that got us to the final and hopefully the team that is picked will get us over the line.

"Two great attacking teams known for their qualities of attacking, probably two of the best sides in Europe this season, both winning their domestic leagues.

"It sets it up nicely for what should be a fantastic final but we'll take any sort of victory."

Match-winner Gibson capped a breakthrough year for the 21-year-old with his glorious strike, which he admitted he would savour as his first in the Premier League.

"It was my first goal in the Premier League so it has to be one of my best," he told MUTV.

Gibson will travel with the United squad to Rome, and after playing a significant role in the club's Carling Cup success, as well as making his first start for the Republic of Ireland back in October, is already reflecting on a memorable season.

"I think this season has been brilliant for me," he added.

"I have played more games than I thought I would have so I have been happy. My aim now for next season is to push for a place and to try and push for a place each week."

He added: "I think the win today shows just what the squad has in terms of strength and depth. It shows anyone in the squad can come in and do a job."