“Can’t be a bad thing” – Hull FC interim coach has his say on Richie Myler

Following the shock news of Hull FC appointing Richie Myler as their new Director of Rugby, their interim coach, Simon Grix, has shared his thoughts on the appointment.

Tony Smith became the first Super League manager to face the axe this season, departing after just seven games had been played, and Smith’s assistant, Grix, became interim coach alongside Francis Cummins.

Myler, an England and Ireland international, made over 400 senior appearances and won two Challenge Cups as well as appearing in two Grand Final defeats.

However, this is his first non-playing role, as his retirement from playing was only announced minutes before confirmation of his appointment with the Black and Whites.

Speaking on BBC Radio Humberside, Simon Grix spoke about what Myler’s job would be.

He said: “He’s got a job on to try and bring some reinforcements in to help us and we’ll leave that with him, but in the meantime, we’ll focus on what we’ve got.

“I’ve spoken to Rich a couple of times, just briefly, nothing too heavy really.

“Obviously, he needs to get in and get some information about where we’re at as a club, as a squad and what we need to try and help us out and try and get us on our way to climbing out of this hole we’re in at the moment.

“He’ll bring fresh ideas, I think alongside James Clark [CEO] and Adam Pearson [Chairman]”, he said, “it’s a fresh pair of eyes, and it probably gives you a different view, and Richie’s pretty well connected.

“He’s played at a few clubs and internationally, had a good career, and understands the game.

“I don’t really see how it can be can be a bad thing for us at the minute.”

Is Richie Myler experienced enough for the Hull FC role?

When the news first broke, there were plenty of people that questioned Myler’s suitability for the role, since he’s never had a non-playing role in the sport.

Hull FC Director of Rugby is an important role for a Super League club.

However, Grix defended the appointment: “Everyone’s got to start somewhere. I think everyone’s got to give him a chance.

“It can be judged down the track, I suppose, as to whether he’s doing the job or not but he’s got good contacts in the game, that has to be a positive, doesn’t it?

“I’m not saying the people who’ve come before are not connected, but, again, just that little bit of enthusiasm coming in from a new perspective, I don’t think it can be a bad thing.

“Again, Richie will just get on with his job and people can talk about that later down the line.”

Hull FC face an away trip to St Helens on Friday 19 April at 8pm.