Nick Barmby

Early career

Growing up on the west side of Hull, Barmby played for local teams Springhead and National Tigers as a boy showing talent from a very early age. Consequently, he ended his education at the local Kelvin Hall High School (where he started in 1985) early to complete his studies at The Football Association's School of Excellence, while also honing his skills for the professional game. His father, Jeff Barmby, was also a player in his younger days and became his son's advisor and agent as his skills began to attract the attention of various clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur

Barmby eventually signed for Tottenham Hotspur, joining them on leaving school in the summer of 1990. His first game for Tottenham was against Hull City at Boothferry Park in a testimonial match for Garreth Roberts, and he scored two goals. Having turned professional in April 1991 under the management of Terry Venables, he made his competitive debut against Sheffield Wednesday on 27 September 1992 in the FA Premier League, and established himself as a regular player that season, when still only 18 years old. During his time at the club he became one of Ossie Ardiles' five-man attack, along with Jürgen Klinsmann, Teddy Sheringham, Darren Anderton and Ilie Dumitrescu. He played 100 games and scored 27 goals in all competitions for Spurs, playing on the losing side in two FA Cup semi-finals, before becoming Middlesbrough's most expensive signing in a £5.25 million deal in June 1995.

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Barmby earned his first cap for England on 29 March 1995, coming on as a 64th-minute substitute in the 0–0 friendly draw against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium. He made his first start on 6 September, playing the whole game in the 0–0 draw with Colombia. On 23 May 1996, Barmby scored his first goals for England when he netted two goals in the 3–0 win against China at the Workers Stadium in Beijing. These goals ultimately sealed his place in England manager Terry Venables' 22-man squad for Euro 1996. Barmby went on to make three substitute appearances in the tournament, featuring in the 1–1 draw with Switzerland in the opening group game, in the 4–1 win against the Netherlands in the final group game, and in the 0–0 draw against Spain in the quarter-finals, a game England won on penalties. Had the shoot-out against Spain continued into sudden-death kicks, Barmby had been chosen to take England's sixth penalty. Barmby scored the first goal of Glenn Hoddle's England tenure, he netted the opening goal in the 3–0 win against Moldova during qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. This turned out to be his last cap for nearly four years. Kevin Keegan recalled Barmby in May 2000 and named him in the preliminary squad for Euro 2000. He featured in the three warm-up games against Brazil, Ukraine, and Malta, before being named in the final squad on 1 June. Barmby made substitute appearances in the games against Germany and Romania as England were eliminated in the group stages. Barmby…

Hull City

After Pearson left Hull for Leicester on 15 November 2011, Barmby took over as player caretaker manager. His reign got off to a fine start against Derby County by defeating them 2–0 at Pride Park Stadium. He announced his retirement from playing on 6 January 2012 before being appointed manager permanently on 10 January. It was reported on 8 May 2012 that Barmby had been sacked as manager following a disciplinary meeting with the owners. This was later confirmed after he made comments about the owners and transfer money. He has since lost his appeal.

Scunthorpe United

On 29 March 2019, Scunthorpe United announced that Barmby would join former Hull City teammate Andy Dawson as a coach. Their first game in charge was against AFC Wimbledon which they lost 2–1. He left the club on 13 May 2019, when new manager Paul Hurst was hired.

Barmby has a wife, Mandy, and two sons, Jack and George. Jack Barmby signed for Manchester United, before being signed by Leicester City in 2014. He moved on loan to the Portland Timbers of the MLS in March 2016. He has also represented England below senior level. Barmby is a fan of Super League side Hull FC. On 29 December 2023, Barmby was announced as the next member of Hull City's Hall of Fame and would be inducted at the first home league game of 2024 against Norwich City.