Local hero Nick Barmby handed new one-year deal to stay with Hull City

22 May 2009 16:01
Hull veteran Nick Barmby has agreed a new one-year contract with his hometown club.   The 35-year-old former England international's previous deal had been due to expire at the end of the season.   Barmby has been in superb form in recent weeks as the Tigers have battled against relegation from the Barclays Premier League.   The club's fate will now be decided after their final game of the season against Manchester United at the KC Stadium on Sunday.   Barmby said: 'We have sorted out another year, which I am well pleased about. The manager and the chairman have been great to me.   'I'm obviously very pleased but it goes on the back-burner and we are just concentrating on Sunday.' Barmby has enjoyed a renaissance at the top level following Hull's promotion to the Premier League last season.   He played for Tottenham, Middlesbrough, Everton, Liverpool and Leeds in the top flight but his career appeared on the wane when he joined then League One Hull in 2004. But he went on to play a key role in two promotions and manager Phil Brown believes his efforts this year warrant a new deal.   Brown said: 'The decision was made by Nicky. He has done enough for me in the last couple of years to command another year and I am delighted Nicky has decided to exercise that.   'He was almost carried off the pitch at Bolton last week. He put his all in and we need a little bit more of that on Sunday, not just from him but everybody.' Barmby, who won 23 England caps, claims Sunday's encounter is one of the biggest he has ever been involved in.   Hull are just one point above the relegation zone and must win to guarantee survival in the top flight.   Anything less would leave them hoping Newcastle slip up at Aston Villa while a defeat could open the door for Middlesbrough to escape.   Barmby said: 'It's right up there with the big games I have been fortunate to play in my career.   'We need to be in their faces. It will be some atmosphere at the KC and our fans will be up for it, they will be our 12th man.   'When we get the ball we need to create chances. We might only get a few but we'll need to put them away.'

Source: Daily_Mail