The Tigers today parted company with Phil Brown after a run of four successive defeats, and Curbishley was immediately named as one of the favourites for the position along with Gary Megson.

But, speaking on Radio Humberside, Pearson said of Curbishley: "He's not on the (shortlist)."

Pearson revealed there are "about five" managers on his shortlist for the job, and also admitted: "We're probably looking at a deal to the end of the season.

"We will then ascertain where we are and what we've got financially before committing further than that.

"Alan is a fantastic manager but it needs to be someone we can get in on a nine-game basis. He is not on that list."

He would not be drawn on Megson, who now heads the betting.

Pearson continued: "We want the new manager operational by Thursday, we will do it promptly and would expect to be able to make a decision tomorrow night.

"We expect there will be an announcement at the latest by Wednesday morning."

Megson is out of work after being dismissed by Bolton in December - coincidentally after a draw with Hull, who recovered from 2-0 down in the second half.

Paul Jewell and Steve Coppell have also been linked while Brown's assistant Brian Horton, himself a former Tigers boss, could be a contender.

Horton and fellow coach Steve Parkin have been placed in temporary charge of the team while a permanent replacement is sought, and Pearson said: "They're definitely in there, they will prepare the team in the usual professional way, but I can't say any more on their situation."

Brown has spoken of his sadness at the sudden decision to dispense with his services.

The 50-year-old is the most successful manager in the club's history, having led them to the top flight for the first time in 2008 and then kept them there last year.

"I am obviously very disappointed with the club's decision and the fact that I will now not have the opportunity to secure Hull City's status in the Barclays Premier League for a third consecutive season," said Brown in a statement released through the League Managers Association.

"Although I am extremely sad to be leaving Hull City, I am very proud of my achievements during my time as manager, especially having led the team into the top flight of football for the first time in the club's 104-year history and ahead of schedule."

Pearson acknowledged: "Phil Brown's achievements at the club are unique."

But the Tigers lie 19th in the table and three points adrift of safety following a last-gasp loss to Arsenal on Saturday, and the chairman added: "It's about an accumulation of points.

"I don't think, if we break down the season into blocks of nine games, we've ever got enough points. We believe we need another 14, and we feel that would be best achieved by a new managerial impetus.

"I'm sure the players are fighting for the manager and the club, but the bottom line is it (Arsenal) was the fourth straight defeat and the performance at Everton (in a 5-1 defeat) was abject.

"These are never easy decisions, particularly when you like the people involved, but all that matters is staying up. That is the harsh and ruthless reality."

Pearson, who returned to the club for a second spell as chairman last October, has repeatedly warned of the dire financial consequences of relegation.

Hull, under previous chairman Paul Duffen, overspent on player wages in the aftermath of their promotion to the Premier League.

Efforts were made to offload fringe players in the January transfer window but the club, £9million in debt, were unable to make major savings on their wage bill and it is feared a player cull will be necessary if the Tigers fail to preserve their top-flight status.

The new manager will have to rapidly galvanise the playing squad to achieve that aim, and Pearson said: "We're looking for experience, presence, someone who can create an impact. There are nine games to go and 27 points to play with, so there is time to turn it round.

"They are not any old fixtures. There are a number of big games in there which we feel are winnable and where we can pick up points.

"We're not giving him fixtures that are impossible, and we feel he will have time to make an impact."