Barmby sure fatigue will not be factor if Hull can win regularly

The Tigers face a gruelling schedule of nine games in 30 days as Nick Barmby’s side play catch-up with the rest of the Championship after seeing a host of games either postponed or moved due to their opponents being otherwise engaged in Cup competitions.

With such a packed programme, Hull’s squad is going to be severely put to the test at a time of year when a good run of results can make all the difference in a promotion race.

No wonder Barmby is so relieved that Hull have been able to re-arrange tomorrow’s home game with Brighton & Hove Albion so promptly.

The Tigers’ manager, whose coach Steve Wigley will be part of Stuart Pearce’s coaching team for the England national team against Holland next week, said: “I wanted the game (which would have been played last Saturday but for Brighton being due to face Liverpool in the FA Cup) to take place as soon as possible so the club did their best to make it happen.

“I didn’t want it later in the season, which would have meant April as I don’t think we would be able to squeeze another game into March as there aren’t any free dates.”

With the scheduled trip to Cardiff City this weekend also having to be moved due to the Bluebirds taking on Liverpool in the Carling Cup final on Sunday, tomorrow’s game with Brighton will be the last time Hull are in action until they travel to Blackpool on Friday week to kick off their manic run of matches.

Barmby added: “Brighton are a team we respect but we are looking forward to it. We also want to get the three points that will keep us in the mix before a busy March gets under way.

“I have had times in my career when there has been a backlog and I always found that if we were doing okay then no one felt tired. But if a team is struggling then it is amazing how a bit of tiredness can creep in.

“We have a young team and that should help. All they want to do is play games so it won’t be a problem. To be fair to the experienced lads, they can go all day as well.

“Lads like Andy Dawson, Paul McKenna and so on are fit as fiddles. Playing a lot of games in quick succession won’t be a problem to them, that is for sure.”

Once tomorrow’s game is over, Hull’s focus will turn to the televised trip to Bloomfield Road.

For first-team coach Wigley, however, the prospect of being involved with England against Holland on February 29 is likely to be occupying his mind and Barmby feels the honour of helping at Wembley is well deserved.

He said: “Steve has served his time at Under-21s level so to be assistant manager of the first team is a fantastic achievement. You don’t get that honour easily but it doesn’t surprise me at all.

“The lads here love him to bits. The way he conducts himself, he will not like me for giving him a mention but he needs congratulating.”

Wigley will not be the only member of the Hull staff on international duty next week with Corry Evans named yesterday in the Northern Ireland squad to face Norway and Tom Cairney called up by Scotland Under-21s for the game with Holland.

With Hull due to face Blackpool just two days later, Barmby admits the situation is far from ideal.

The Tigers’ chief said: “I have spoken to the relevant managers and they have been fine. They are aware we have a game on the Friday. On the flipside, I also feel it is important for the lads to play for their country.

“It is a big honour and a feather in Hull City’s cap so we are not going to stand in their way, definitely not.

“I am new to things like speaking to international managers about my players but I can’t dictate to any manager about not playing someone – or just giving them 45 minutes. That is down to the managers concerned.

“It would be disrespectful of me. But they are aware there is a game and have been brilliant.”

Hull have no fresh injury problems ahead of tomorrow’s game as they attempt to claim a club record sixth straight clean sheet in the league.

Barmby added: “I have never been one for records but it will be a pat on the back for the lads.

“They are the ones who go out there. You try to set a foundation to build on by restricting the opposition to fewer and fewer chances.

“We are going alright but there is still a long way to go. So, as we always do at this club, we will remain humble and get on with our jobs.”

[email protected]