Permanent status for Barmby to be confirmed at Hull ‘by Monday’

The former England international has been in charge in a caretaker role for nearly two months since taking over when Nigel Pearson departed for Leicester City.

He has quickly gained the full backing of the club’s hierarchy as well as the supporters but has so far held off making the move permanent.

However, Barmby, 37, has now agreed a deal with the Tigers’ owner Assem Allam and his role should be resolved “over the weekend or by Monday,”

He will also curtail his playing career to concentrate on the task of management and hopefully steering the Tigers back towards the Premier League.

“I’ve wanted to be out there but that’s got to end,” said Hull-born Barmby, who has a long-term vision in place.

“That was a big decision for me and probably the biggest.

“But to manage this club, I will do my very best and work as hard as possible.

“The main thing is that the way we play our football isn’t just for the first-team.

“Everyone’s got to realise that with all the young lads coming through that the reserves play like that, the youth team plays like that and even below them.

“They will get better and better and better if they manage the ball and be inventive.

“The structure of the club is vital. It’s not just about now, it’s about the future.”

Ironically, Hull head into today’s FA Cup third round game against Ipswich Town having lost three successive games.

But Barmby insisted: “There hasn’t really been a need to lift the players; the last three games we should have won,

“All three sides have had to change their system to match us, which is a back-handed compliment and there’s not an awful lot wrong.

“We’ve been punished for one or two sloppy moments and the luck hasn’t quite been with us.”

Hull are intent on progressing and Barmby added: “You hear managers at this time of year say that they’re not bothered about the FA Cup - we are and we want to win this game.”