Hull FC fans given first chance to meet prospective new owner

Hull FC fans will have a first chance to meet and hear from their prospective new owner after news of the club takeover emerged today.

Days after Serious About RL reported that ex-Leeds Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill had been spotted at the Hull FC training ground ahead of a reported takeover, chairman Adam Pearson confirmed news of the takeover earlier today.

It has now also been revealed that Andrew Thirkill will be in attendance at tonight’s Hull FC Fan Forum, where over 350 supporters will be in attendance as well as Pearson, Director of Rugby Richie Myler and new head coach John Cartwright.

Tickets have long since sold out for the event but it will be broadcast live on BBC Humberside with the club also revealing plans to upload video footage in full to their YouTube channel shortly after its conclusion.

Fans can also follow updates on the club’s social media channels, namely their X (formerly Twitter) account, as they look to hear from their new prospective owner for the first time.

Hull FC confirm takeover

News of the takeover at Hull FC was confirmed at 1 pm earlier today when in a statement shared by the club, Pearson explained that Thirkill and business David Hood would be taking 100 per cent ownership of the club with all parties entering an ‘exclusivity period’.

That is a six-week period in which the finalisation of the takeover can be overseen before Pearson cedes all control to the new owners.

It brings an end to his 13-year association with the club and marks a new era for the Black and Whites, something Pearson described as heralding a ‘bright future for Hull FC’.

Pearson’s earlier statement confirming the news saw him speak about both men who are involved in the takeover.

He said: “Andrew is the Chairman of Age Partnership and Pure Retirement; David was joint founder of Pace PLC and is the Chairman of private aviation company Multiflight at Leeds Bradford Airport.

“The new owners have committed to provide sufficient funding to allow the club to regain its Grade A status, and provide the club with a new management structure and team to improve its ranking in that grade.”

Specifically on Thirkill, who fans can quiz tonight, Pearson said: “I will be delighted to hand over the reins to Andrew as the club’s new Chairman – his love for the sport of Rugby League and passion for success provides a perfect combination for the club to thrive once more under his leadership and guidance; emphasised by his long-standing position as Club President of Leeds Rhinos, along with an outstanding business career over many years.”

Details on how to follow tonight’s Fan Forum can be found here.