Derek Beaumont claps back at Hull FC fan as he ‘clarifies’ relegation stance

Another week has passed and there’s been another instance of Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont commenting on the situation at Hull FC, however, this time Beaumont has attempted to ‘clear up’ his stance.

Beaumont has been very vocal and very critical of Hull FC over what he believes has been a case of them ‘putting the cue in the rack’ for the 2024 season.

He’s repeatedly argued that the Black and Whites have gone against the ‘spirit of the game’, something he has underlined again today, over their squad management and his perceived lack of effort to get away from the bottom of Super League.

Hull FC know that they will not be relegated given their Grade A status under last year’s indicative rankings from IMG although Beaumont has now brought into question whether it will have dipped below the magic 15-point mark as he hit back at a Hull FC fan.

After Salford Red Devils put out a heavily-rotated side last night in an attempt to ensure they had their first team squad fit and available for their upcoming play-off game, a Hull FC fan looked for Beaumont’s opinion on it before suggesting that Leigh could be relying on an FC win to help them secure a top six spot.

In a lengthy response, Beaumont has hit back by ridiculing the thought of Hull FC beating Catalans whilst also clarifying his stance on the question of Salford and integrity before underlining his view on the Black and Whites.

What has Derek Beaumont said about Hull FC?

After it was suggested he was turning a blind eye to Salford’s squad and that Leigh could even rely on a favour from Hull FC, Beaumont hit back.

He posted on X: “Qualifying is in our own hands. If we were depending on FC beating Dragons (to) qualify I would already be planning our players’ exit meetings and season over!

“Salford made a tactical decision with registered squad players just like KR did prior to playing us in CC final. I don’t agree with it but it’s their choice and I understand it!

“The clear difference is they didn’t get rid of all their players and leave themselves that weak for the whole year because they knew they couldn’t be relegated! That is against the spirit of the game and unfair on members who invested in a season ticket based on a competitive squad.

“I have nothing against Hull FC being in SL, they are a very big club and an asset to it but should be relegated if (they) finish bottom, more so for how they have gone about it.

“That said if they finish 11th then their fall has been consistent going from 9th to 10th to 11th so maybe it’s next year that it will be 12th.

“It will be interesting to see how this season has affected their A grade that they had scraped in the indicative scores. Here’s hoping that Richie has gained some experience and will act accordingly with other clubs around recruitment and that they will be competitive next year and add value to SL like they used to.

“Hope the long tweet clears it up for you.”

The 2024 season marks the fourth consecutive season that Hull FC have been outside the Super League play-offs. During that time period, Leigh have been relegated, rebranded and then returned to Super League to make the play-offs, something they could do once again tonight.

Qualifying is in our own hands if we were depending on FC beating Dragons qualify I would already be planning our players exit meetings and season over! Salford made a tactical decision with registered squad players just like KR did prior to playing us in CC final. I don’t agree… https://t.co/NgM32Ezf8e

— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) September 20, 2024