Source: SKY_Sports
Barmby lauds greatest success
Nicky Barmby believes staying in the Premier League tops winning the Championship play-off final last season.
Hull City clinched their survival despite slipping to a 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United on the final day of the season, as relegation rivals Newcastle and Middlesbrough both lost.
Barmby was impressed by the inexperienced United side selected by Sir Alex Ferguson but also allowed himself to revel in Hull's achievement.
The Tigers had been tipped to drop back down to the second tier and Barmby admits it was a special occasion for the supporters.
"It means everything. It was a great day for the fans and staying up means everything to them and the players," he told the club's official website.
"They saw the commitment today, although I have to say they also saw it from Manchester United. For a supposed under-strength side, they were a very, very good team.
"It was hard to get the ball off them and the future is definitely bright at that club.
Chuffed
"But today is about us staying in the Premier League and that is what we wanted to do right from the outset. We've managed to do it and everybody connected to the club is chuffed to bits."
Barmby helped Hull beat Bristol City at Wembley this time last season to book their place in the Premier League.
But he insists he felt more euphoric at the final whistle on Sunday after hearing confirmation of nearest challengers Newcastle's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
He explained: "We obviously heard the cheers when Aston Villa scored and the drama on Sunday is what sets this league apart from every other.
"This tops Wembley last year. To have another crack at the top flight gives the fans another journey to look forward to."