Hull FC owners release statement as apology issued, transfers teased and Steve McNamara start date revealed

Hull FC owners Andrew Thirkill and David Hood have released a statement today, issuing an apology to their supporters after yet another defeat at the weekend.

FC were downed 32-22 by Leigh Leopards, but after trailing 28-0 at half-time, plenty of boos rang around the MKM Stadium as the Hull faithful voiced their displeasure.

Since Andy Last replaced John Cartwright in April, the side have won just two of 11 games, with victories coming against Castleford, his first match in charge, and Huddersfield, who are bottom of the league.

The club have lost to all three promoted sides in Last’s time in charge, but their most recent defeat has forced the owners into making a statement regarding their current situation.

Despite their poor record as of late, both Thirkill and Hood remain positive that the club will get out of their slump, and they admit that the club’s structure and situation were a lot worse than they first believed when they took over.

They said: “We would like to begin by apologising to every Hull FC supporter.

“This season has been unacceptable, and nobody is more disappointed by the club’s performances and results than we are. However difficult the present moment may feel, we remain convinced that the future of Hull FC is brighter than it has been for many years.

“When we acquired the club, following Richie Myler’s appointment as Director of Rugby, it was Richie’s encouragement for the two of us to invest that convinced us to do so. However, the club’s financial, operational and organisational position was considerably more serious than we had ever understood.

“We have therefore spent much of our ownership addressing historic issues while investing heavily to stabilise the club and begin rebuilding it properly.

“That does not excuse what has happened on the field this season, but it is important that supporters understand the enormous scale of the challenge we inherited and the work that continues behind the scenes.”

The pair added: “As the [2026] season progressed, it also became clear that the overall standards, preparation and consistency across the rugby operation were not yet at the level we believe is required for Hull FC to compete successfully at the highest level.

“This is not about criticising individual players or members of staff, many of whom have worked extremely hard in difficult circumstances. However, as owners, we have a responsibility to recognise where improvement is required and to act decisively in the best interests of the club.”

Due to the club already operating at a full salary cap, the side have been unable to make any mid-season signings, leaving them very limited when it comes to replenishing troops in what is an “unprecedented” injury crisis.

Hull FC owners outline Steve McNamara start date as signings teased

Their quest for improvement led them to acquire the services of Steve McNamara, who will join the club on a three-year deal ahead of next season.

The former Catalans and England boss will leave his current role as Warrington Wolves assistant coach to return to his boyhood club, and it has been confirmed when he will officially become the Black and Whites’ new boss.

McNamara will officially start work at the club during the first week in November, and the owners have revealed that conversations are taking place regarding players’ futures and whether they have a part to play in the new boss’ long-term side.

They said: “The club has already begun a meaningful overhaul of the playing squad in preparation for Steve’s arrival.

“Inevitably, that has created uncertainty for some players whose long-term futures with Hull FC are being assessed. However, difficult decisions are necessary if we are to build the successful and sustainable team our supporters deserve.”

On a more positive note, the club hope to announce some signings for 2027 in the near future, whilst the club’s structures, standards and working practices are being strengthened, and that includes the training environment.

As a way of giving back to the supporters following a torrid 2026, the owners have offered a small gesture of appreciation and will be providing free club coach travel for the final three away games of the season.

The full statement can be read here.