When Nick Barmby arrived two seasons ago, it was met with great joy and jubilation by the City fans, but after two seasons here, have we really seen the best of him.
Probably not, but it hasn’t been down to the player’s performances but more due to the fact of two manager’s constant decisions not to play the club’s most experienced player.
Nick Barmby had many successful Premiership seasons with spells at Everton, Liverpool and Leeds whilst also winning numerous caps for England, yet appearances for Hull City seem hard to come by. Last season, Barmby`s season was cut short after an injury sustained in January against Crystal palace kept the player out for the rest of the season but with the player now back to full fitness, why isn’t he playing?
With the team having lost at Birmingham, their fifth loss in their opening six games, why is the experience of Barmby not being utilized. I believe there is too much expectation of Nick Barmby being the savior of Hull City, but after watching Dean Marney’s performance on the left wing on Saturday, Barmby couldn’t have done any worse.
Nick Barmby has made one appearance this season, away at Ipswich Town where City have recorded their solitary point so far this season. After that, he has disappeared into the wilderness again. With the recent acquisitions of Nicky Forster and Michael Bridges, two players whom had very good debuts on Saturday, it was suggested that Barmby could fill the gap behind the strikers to make City an attacking force – yet he wasn’t included in the sixteen man squad.
This week, Phil Parkinson had even told the local Hull paper that Nick Barmby was an integral part of this football club, so why wasn’t he at least on the bench. There is no news of the player being injured on unfit, so why was he dropped again. More worryingly, the day before had seen rumors arise that Nick Barmby was about to leave the club, with a loan move to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday believed to be one destination open to the former England international.
Although I don’t believe Barmby is as crucial to the team as believed, letting him move, temporarily or permanently to a club that is expected to be near the bottom of the league this season would not be good business. If his goals help to safety a club we should be chasing down in order to survive, then Nick Barmby would effectively relegate Hull City.
The other question has always been, ‘Where do we play him?’ Here at Vital Hull, we asked that very question in our latest poll, the results of which can be seen below…
Striker 8%
Left wing 7%
Right wing 4%
Behind the front two 69%
Central midfield 4%
On the bench 8%
The City fans want Barmby to play in behind the front two – a position from where he can control the play and become a major asset in City’s attacking play. However, that would mean changing the formation, something that Peter Taylor was, and now Phil Parkinson, seem unwilling to do.
Where does the future of Nick Barmby lie? Most fans will be hoping it is in the black and amber of Hull City as his experience could be a vital asset given our current situation. One thing is certain – under no circumstance should Nick Barmby be allowed to leave to a club in our league.
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That’s a good post, mate, well written. I think the Owls link is pure fiction though I am reading it from a long way away!
I hope he says, and fights for a place in the team, he’s Nick Barmby From Hull, and played of England. Come on Parky find a way to include him.
I think he should play on tuesday if Yeates aint fit?what was the point of getin him if he aint guna play?Or maybe play both and Yeates play on th right.
Why bring in Yeates at all if he wasn’t fit , he may turn out to be a superstar but can we really afford to bring on players on loan or otherwise if all we are doing is helping them rehab from injury, jury is well and truly out on Yeates. Please please make my trip to Leicester worthwhile
As much as I would love to see Nick involved, if the formation has to be altered to make room for him, then I’d not bother. Far better to get the players playing in formations they know. I doubt we have the quality in midfield to play 4-3-1-2!
he must be fatter than ever not playing!!!
Reserves beckon for our Nick I reckon , I think he may come into his own ion teh cup games though 🙂