Despite three wins in five for Hull City legend Nick Barmby, the big question on fansâ lips remains unanswered; does he want the job on a permanent basis?
The former Tottenham and Liverpool man took over the reins at the KC Stadium when Nigel Pearson opted to re-join Leicester, and the Tigers have not looked back since.
Throwing away a 2-0 lead in the final 12 minutes against Burnley a fortnight ago threw Barmbyâs credentials into immediate doubt, but taking six points in five days from promotion rivals Leicester and Birmingham quickly banished all negativity.
Such unity between players, staff and owners is rare to see and the future looks extremely bright for a side facing administration only 12 months ago.
So, does Barmby want the job? Of course he does. 2004 feels like a lifetime ago, but after achieving promotion from the old Division Three to the modern League One, Hull issued a statement of intent by ambitiously offering Barmby the chance to sign for his hometown club. Despite his connection with the Tigers, it was fully anticipated by most that Barmby would opt to prolong his top-flight career before dropping down the divisions in his later years. However, he completed a shock switch to the KC Stadium weeks later, significantly slashing his wages to join the League One outfit. Itâs not about the money for Barmby, it never has been and it never will be.
So, why is the former England international stalling over a decision? His loyalty canât be questioned; he certainly isnât hoping for a better offer elsewhere. So why wait?
The real question should be: Why not wait?
We can be sure that Barmby is in no hurry to announce an end to his playing days. Itâs looking less and less likely that fans will ever see him in a Hull City shirt again but despite everything, itâs with extreme reluctance that any player confirms his permanent exit from the game.
There is no need to announce anything; I see no possible benefits or any hint of positive impact that it may have. The players are happy, the staff are happy, the owners are happy, and most importantly, the fans are happy. Why would you wish to disrupt that harmony? Whether heâs officially known as manager or caretaker manager, Barmby is in charge of first team affairs for the foreseeable future, and thatâs all that matters.
The former Tottenham and Liverpool man took over the reins at the KC Stadium when Nigel Pearson opted to re-join Leicester, and the Tigers have not looked back since.
Throwing away a 2-0 lead in the final 12 minutes against Burnley a fortnight ago threw Barmbyâs credentials into immediate doubt, but taking six points in five days from promotion rivals Leicester and Birmingham quickly banished all negativity.
Such unity between players, staff and owners is rare to see and the future looks extremely bright for a side facing administration only 12 months ago.
So, does Barmby want the job? Of course he does. 2004 feels like a lifetime ago, but after achieving promotion from the old Division Three to the modern League One, Hull issued a statement of intent by ambitiously offering Barmby the chance to sign for his hometown club. Despite his connection with the Tigers, it was fully anticipated by most that Barmby would opt to prolong his top-flight career before dropping down the divisions in his later years. However, he completed a shock switch to the KC Stadium weeks later, significantly slashing his wages to join the League One outfit. Itâs not about the money for Barmby, it never has been and it never will be.
So, why is the former England international stalling over a decision? His loyalty canât be questioned; he certainly isnât hoping for a better offer elsewhere. So why wait?
The real question should be: Why not wait?
We can be sure that Barmby is in no hurry to announce an end to his playing days. Itâs looking less and less likely that fans will ever see him in a Hull City shirt again but despite everything, itâs with extreme reluctance that any player confirms his permanent exit from the game.
There is no need to announce anything; I see no possible benefits or any hint of positive impact that it may have. The players are happy, the staff are happy, the owners are happy, and most importantly, the fans are happy. Why would you wish to disrupt that harmony? Whether heâs officially known as manager or caretaker manager, Barmby is in charge of first team affairs for the foreseeable future, and thatâs all that matters.
and sincere apologies to OLM & Bob.
