Barmby loses Hull appeal but Bruce has plenty

The Tigers have been without anyone at the helm of the team since the former England international was suspended on April 30 over comments made about the club’s need to strengthen this summer.

Since then, the Hull board have been searching for a replacement and Steve Bruce yesterday emerged as a serious contender with the Allam family understood to rate the former Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United manager.

Bruce’s odds on taking over were slashed to as low as 1-4 yesterday, making him the latest favourite after the bookmakers had earlier given similar status to Lee Clark, Kevin Blackwell and Greg Abbott.

The rejection by chairman Assem Allam of Barmby’s appeal against his sacking by vice chairman Ehab Allam on May 8 means the hunt for the new man can now be stepped up.

The Tigers are believed to be working towards an appointment being made by next week at the latest.

On the decision to confirm Barmby’s departure, chairman Assem Allam said: “Having heard Nick Barmby’s internal appeal and following a full review of the facts during a detailed and thorough meeting with him, I have decided to uphold the vice chairman’s decision to dismiss Nick for the reasons previously stated.

“I would like to assure the club’s supporters that this decision has not been taken lightly and all other options were explored before I decided to uphold the dismissal.

“However, as explained in the press statement given by the vice chairman (on May 8), Nick’s behaviour has led to the breakdown of trust and confidence with the board and I therefore felt I had no other option, particularly given his senior position at the club.”

Hull-born Barmby first returned to his home city as a player in 2004 and combined that with a coaching role at the KC Stadium in 2010 under then boss Nigel Pearson.

Barmby will liaise with the League Managers’ Association’s legal team before deciding on any course of action following his unsuccessful appeal

The LMA issued a statement on behalf of Barmby which read: “It goes without saying that I am very disappointed that there wasn’t a favourable outcome to my appeal against my dismissal as manager of Hull City FC.

“I was surprised that the club did not appoint an independent person to hear the appeal and I am now considering the outcome in detail and will consult with the LMA’s legal team before deciding on any further action.”