Results will neither speed up nor help make up Barmby’s mind over Hull job

The former England international is facing an increasing clamour to accept the post from both supporters and the club’s hierarchy after the impressive manner in which the Tigers have been steered through the turbulence of Nigel Pearson’s departure.

Hull have won five out of seven games under Barmby and travel to Middlesbrough on Boxing Day sitting fourth in the Championship.

A meeting is planned for tomorrow between the 37-year-old, chairman Assem Allam and director of football operations Adam Pearson but the Tigers’ caretaker manager insists no decision will be made on his future until after the festive games.

Barmby said: “We have said all along that in the new year we need to sit down with the owners and Adam to really thrash out what is required and what we want. But they know that anyway.

“Results won’t influence me massively, more the way we play and the way I feel that we are as a team and going forward as a club.

“There are quite a few things but I am not going to go into them. I said there will be a decision sooner rather than later.”

Barmby’s decision to accept the club’s offer to take the reins on a temporary basis has led to his playing career having to be put on hold.

Despite admitting to missing the buzz of playing, the Hull chief has no plans to change that stance just yet.

He added: “I have been missing playing. It can be frustrating when you are used to being involved but you can only do one job and at the minute that is managing.

“I still join in at the start of the week but towards the end when preparation is key then I don’t bother.

“It would be nice to play but, having said that, would I get in the team right now?”

Asked if Hull fans could expect to see him play again this season, Barmby replied: “If I take the job, then no.”

Robbie Brady will not be suspended for the festive games despite being sent off for the reserves on Tuesday night for violent conduct against Sunderland.

At first, it was feared he would have to sit out four first-team matches, Brady having already been sent off this term against Southampton, but a change in the rules means any ban picked up playing for the second string does not apply to the first team.

Barmby said: “It was a disappointing incident and he shouldn’t have done what he did. We spoke about it (yesterday) and he will learn from it.

“Fortunately, we have been a bit lucky that he is not suspended for first-team games.”