Barmby calls time on playing to accept Hull manager’s role

Barmby, 37, took caretaker charge of the Tigers in November following Nigel Pearson’s return to Leicester City, initially overseeing a run of five wins in his first seven games.

A disappointing three-game losing streak soon followed but, after leading the Yorkshire club to a 3-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, he has been handed the reins indefinitely.

Barmby announced the move into full-time management would bring down the curtain on his 21-year playing career.

The former England player said: “It is a great honour for me to become manager of my hometown club and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“Although it has been a big decision to call time on my playing career, I have enjoyed my spell in charge so far and am excited about continuing to work with a talented group of players.

“It goes without saying that both myself, and the backroom staff that we have in place, will be working hard to ensure success.”

Barmby added: “I just hope people don’t give me too much stick if it goes wrong.

“If I had the chant ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ I’d be gutted to be honest.

“But we’ll definitely give it our best shot.”

Barmby, who moved to the KC Stadium in 2004, takes control having helped lead the club to sixth place in the Championship table.

Hull’s head of football operations, Adam Pearson, is hoping the stability brought about by the appointment will ensure a successful campaign.

“We are delighted that after a period of negotiation Nick has committed his future to the club as manager of Hull on a full-time basis,” said Pearson.

“In his short spell as caretaker manager, Nick has already had a positive impact on the team, and his decision will provide a real boost as we go into the second half of the season.”

Barmby made 110 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur and earned his first England cap during his time at White Hart Lane.

He then had spells at Middlesbrough, Everton, Liverpool and Leeds United before joining Hull.

He made his 584th and final appearance in Hull’s 2-1 win over Cardiff in October, scoring a late winner.