Ex-Hull FC star says how long Tony Smith should be given to turn things around

Paul Cooke knows both sides of Hull very well.

He was the hero of the Black and Whites in 2005 as they stunned Leeds Rhinos in the Challenge Cup Final but turned villain when he crossed the river to join Hull KR in 2007 in one of the biggest and most shocking transfers in Super League history.

As Hull KR currently shine, Hull FC have lost seven in a row.

With some fans questioning coach Tony Smith, Cooke has come out and said that he needs to be given until April or May next year suggesting it is the squad rather than the coaches who need to be questioned.

He said:

“Maybe give him until April/May 2024 because the 2023 squad inherited needs massive changes. The players clearly need changing Jez?? It surely can’t be the three decent/quality/accomplished coaches in Radford, Hodgson and Smith can it??”

He also rejects any notion that Hull FC could go down because of Wakefield’s struggles.

The West Yorkshire side are without a win.

He responded to a fan’s reply saying:

“With all respect that’s a reply from complete frustration and because of the results that are not good enough to you, all Hull FC fans and rightly so. But with respect to Wakefield (sadly but honestly I’m my eyes) save every team in 2023 from relegation.”