Phil Brown has named Nick Barmby as Hull's captain in the absence of Ian Ashbee.
Tigers boss names veteran as captain in Ian Ashbee's absence
Phil Brown has named Nick Barmby as Hull City's captain in the absence of long-term injury casualty Ian Ashbee.
The decision may come as a surprise to some with Barmby struggling to even break into the Tigers' starting XI at present.
The 35-year-old's only starts this season have come in the Carling Cup while he has made four substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Brown has handed the armband to the likes of George Boateng, Michael Turner, Paul McShane and Ibrahima Sonko so far this term after normal skipper Ashbee ruptured his cruciate ligament against Aston Villa last term.
"It is something that has got Nicky's name written all over it," Brown said.
"He has matured into a leader, none more so than over the last couple of years at Hull City.
"We speak frankly about things and we share things none more so than about what is happening at Hull City at the moment.
"He is a strong enough character in the dressing room."
Brown backing
Meanwhile Barmby was quick to defend Brown by declaring that the players had let the manager and the fans down after their heavy 6-1 defeat at Liverpool last weekend.
"We let him and the fans down on Saturday," he stated.
"It is down to the players. The manager can bark orders but he is not the one that goes out on the pitch.
"It's roll you sleeves-up time, we need to start winning games. We've had a disappointing few days and we've had to clear our heads to get ready for the next game.
"But we have managed to bounce back before. We got beaten 5-0 by Wigan last season and bounced back to win the next game."
