Hull FC takeover confirmed as ex-Leeds Rhinos man set for major role

Hull FC owner and chairman Adam Pearson has confirmed the club has entered a period of exclusivity ahead of a takeover.

As reported by Serious About Rugby League last week, former Leeds Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill was down at the club’s University of Hull training ground earlier this week, with a takeover deal edging closer. That agreement has now been struck with Thirkill being joined by David Hood OBE, who is chairman of private aviation company Multiflight.

The pair will purchase 100 per cent ownership of the club in the hope of providing the impetus and financial backing the Black and Whites need in order to take the club back towards the upper echelons of Super League.

The deal brings an end to 13 years of Pearson ownership but the owner won’t be leaving the club just yet, with plans for him to stick around in a consultancy role for the time being.

Hull FC Chairman confirms takeover

In a statement released on the Hull FC website, Pearson said: “After positive and detailed investment discussions, I am delighted to announce that the club has entered into and agreed an exclusivity period with successful Yorkshire businessmen Andrew Thirkill and David Hood OBE.

“This will allow them to complete the process of the transfer of one-hundred percent ownership of Hull FC in an orderly manner.

“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.

“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.

“After thirteen years of ownership, it has been critically important to me to transfer the club into the right hands, and this event certainly ticks all those boxes.

“I will continue to assist the new board in business matters in relation to the club in a consultancy capacity. Director of Rugby Richie Myler will continue to control all playing matters, and our coaching and performance departments.

“This change of ownership heralds a bright future for Hull FC. We need all of our supporters to rally together to restore unity and pride in our famous club. The club will again have a powerful board to enable the team to compete at the right end of Betfred Super League.”