Hull FC owner Adam Pearson promises ‘fundamental’ changes after ’embarrassing’ season

Hull FC owner and chairman Adam Pearson insists fundamental changes are on the way at the MKM Stadium. The Black and Whites brought their Super League campaign to end on Saturday afternoon and it’s fair to say it’s not one supporters will look back on fondly.

After winning just three games all season, the club finished 11th in the Super League table, level on points with bottom placed London Broncos with points difference being the only thing separating the two. It was a campaign that failed to get going in East Yorkshire, with Tony Smith and a handful of overseas recruits leaving the club after just a few months of competitive action.

As such, Simon Grix spent much of the season in charge on an interim basis, stepping up from his assistant position to take on the reins, but he couldn’t stop the rot, with the club making a habit of being on the end of heavy defeats. However, the club have appointed John Cartwright to take charge from next season with a raft of signings set to join the Australian in west Hull, too.

Richie Myler has also been brought in as a director of football, with the former Leeds Rhinos man spearheading the Hull FC recruitment push. Consequently, after what he admits has been an ’embarrassing’ season, Pearson in confident of making strides forward in 2025.

“I must say a heartfelt thank you to everybody who has supported us throughout what has been an incredibly challenging year,” Pearson said.

“From our loyal members to all of our fantastic partners and corporate guests, the level of support we have received through these turbulent times has really impressed me, and for that, I thank every single one sincerely.

“Let me be clear; there is no doubt in mind that there must be fundamental changes made to our organisation, regarding both on- and off-field personnel. The board share my views that we cannot allow this to continue. The building blocks are in place to ensure that the team will look and feel significantly different next year in comparison to this season. We have already made good headway on the recruitment front for 2025, with the recent signings of Jordan Rapana and Aidan Sezer, who will without question add valuable experience to our roster under the stewardship of John Cartwright.

“Andy Last will also return to the club in 2025 to work under John. As somebody who understands the club inside out, paired with the coaching experience he has acquired over the years, I feel it is a shrewd appointment. Also, with experience of working at organisations such as Manchester United, Cardiff City, and Newcastle Falcons, we welcome Andy Shea to the club as our new head physiotherapist. All the while, we are not resting on our laurels and we continue in our endeavours to bring more new faces to our backroom staff.

“These changes have been brought about to ensure that the club does not have to endure another season quite like this again. It has been an embarrassing season for the club on the field, and I wholeheartedly understand the frustration of the supporters and our partners in that regard, which is why the senior management group at the club is working incredibly hard to pull the club back up from the canvas and on the rise again.”

As well as Jordan Rapana and Aidan Sezer, Hull FC have signed John Asiata, Zak Hardaker, Oliver Holmes, Ed Chamberlain, Jordan Abdull. Amir Bourouh and Cade Cust.