Hull FC icon to make Super League return as Championship side confirms head coach exit

Hull FC legend Scott Taylor will return to the top flight in 2027 after agreeing a coaching position in Super League.

As a result, he will depart Championship outfit Goole Vikings at the season’s end, parting ways with the club after he became their first-ever head coach in 2025 when the club was brought into League One.

It is unconfirmed where exactly the ex-prop will be heading next year, though reports elsewhere have tipped him to be re-joining the Black and Whites to form part of Steve McNamara’s coaching staff.

A former Wigan and Hull KR as well as FC, Taylor has been vocal in his coaching ambitions as of late, whilst he has also announced his decision now in order to allow Goole to remain stable and be able to plan ahead of 2027.

The Vikings have already confirmed their next head coach, with an appointment said to be made in due course.

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Former Hull FC man Scott Taylor set for Super League return

Goole’s board of directors released a statement, saying: “Scott has played a key role in the creation and development of the Goole Vikings and the club is extremely grateful for his dedication and commitment from day one.

“Building a professional club from scratch is no small task, and Scott embraced that challenge wholeheartedly. He has been a positive role model for our players, staff and supporters, and his place in the club’s history is secure as the first head coach of the modern-day Vikings.

“We have enjoyed a very close and honest relationship, which has enabled us to review our performance structure and succession plans in detail, while giving Scott the best possible opportunity to pursue his ambitions within the top-tier.

“The step up to the Championship has been significant, and we recognise there are areas where we must continue to improve. Our succession planning has focused on ensuring we have a coaching structure in place that can deliver those improvements while remaining true to our identity and values – building upon the strong foundations laid by Scott, his staff and the players.

“We would like to personally thank Scott for his professionalism and contribution to the club’s development and wish him every success in the next stage of his coaching career.

“We hope that the opportunity to embark on his coaching career with the Vikings will stand him in great stead to excel in his future endeavours.

“He and his family will always be welcome at the club, and we wish him every success in his next chapter. We are confident he has an extremely bright future ahead of him.”

Taylor himself added: “I would like to thank the board, the staff, players, supporters and sponsors – all who have been an amazing part of two years together at the Vikings. From the very first meeting with Mark & James and the dream to build a brand new professional rugby league team from scratch, it has been an absolutely crazy ride.

“We’ve had plenty of ups and downs, lots of challenges and some unbelievable moments and memories – I wouldn’t change it for the world. The support they have given me has been everything I needed in my first professional coaching role.

“We have so many achievements we can look back on, and I’m so proud to be associated with the first two years of the club’s history. I think it’s been a huge success and we have plenty more work to do this season to leave the team in the best shape we can.

“Joining the Vikings and embarking on this adventure is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – and I can’t wait to see them continue to grow in the future.”