John Cartwright ‘disrespected’ by Hull FC as coach speaks for first time since exit announcement

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright feels ‘disrespected’ by the club’s handling of his impending exit, one year before the Australian’s contract is up.

In a quite extraordinary pre-match press conference, much of the questions focused on last Tuesday’s statement from the club that confirmed that John Cartwright would leave Hull FC at the end of the 2026 season.

That’s in spite of the Australian being contracted to the end of 2027 and in his first opportunity to speak publicly since that statement, Cartwright has been incredibly honest.

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside ahead of Thursday’s game at home to St Helens, Cartwright was asked why he was leaving Hull FC, to which he replied: “Well, it wasn’t mutual, put it that way.

“The club had just come to a decision that they were going to part ways at the end of my current contract, and then a six-month termination clause was exercised, so that’s pretty much how it happened.”

Asked what reason had been given, Cartwright said: “I still haven’t been given one, to be honest with you, so I can’t respond to that. I have asked and I expect to be able to sit down with someone in the not-too-far-distant future.”

Giving his opinion on how he feels the situation has been handled, Cartwright called on people to await all facts but admitted that he felt ‘betrayed and disrespected’.

“When people know the facts, they can make their own mind up, but for me, I probably feel a little bit betrayed and disrespected,” the Australian said.

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John Cartwright opens up on Hull FC exit

Pushed further on reasons, particularly if there had been a disagreement between himself and the board, Cartwright confirmed:” There’s been a few little things, but nothing major. It’s a game based on a lot of opinion, so when there’s different opinions, I’m not one to stand back.

“At the end of the day, the results will pretty much come down to the coach. Good results, you keep your job. Bad results, you don’t. I’ve had a say on certain things, but I wouldn’t say there was anything that no other coach and CEOs and owners go through.”

Cartwright also confirmed that his son Jed will not be handed a new contract by the club, however, he added that the decision had no bearing on his own future.

“No, that’s had nothing to do with it,” he responded.

“They day I walked in the door, any negotiation with Jed was with Jed and his manager, and I stood well clear of that. Jed has known since the York game that he wasn’t going to be contracted here beyond this year.

“I don’t know whether that was out in the public, I don’t know, but as far as decisions that were made between Jed, me and the club, I couldn’t have been more clearer. They made that decision, and I understand it, and Jed understands it. There’s certainly no bad blood about that.”

Cartwright also confirmed that he plans to remain at the club and see out the season despite his feelings of betrayal and disrespect.

He said: “It’s my job. I’ll do my job. I’m not going to do anything that will put that at risk. You ask me a question, I’ll tell you the answer. That’s where that sits. My loyalty and my bond with the players is something that can never be taken away.”

He also confirmed previous reports that suggested the players did not train last Tuesday after learning of his exit, however, he revealed it was his decision.

“There was a pretty emotional meeting, I suppose, when I addressed the players. The coaches left the room and the players decided to stay. In all honesty, it just wasn’t the type of atmosphere where a training session would have been of any value. I decided that we were going to call the day off anyway.

“They needed to go and chat amongst themselves. I haven’t asked what was said. It’s not my business to know what was said. I think they had some grievances that they wanted to talk about. I don’t know if they’ve been addressed either.”

John Cartwright questions timing of McNamara and Cleary reports

Shortly after the club’s announcement that Cartwright would be leaving the club, it was reported that Steve McNamara would take charge from 2027. Asked about his successor and when a deal could be done, the Australian went on to confirm those reports.

“I believe it’s done,” he said.

“The information was leaked. The timing of that I found a little bit awkward as well. I’ve got nothing against Steve McNamara at all. It’s just the business we’re in. I thought the timing of it probably could have been handled a little bit better.”

Cartwright also questioned the timing of last week’s report that Hull FC had tabled an offer of £1,000,000 per year to NRL star Nathan Cleary, something he claimed to be unaware of.

“Not that I’m aware of,” he said when asked, adding: “The timing of that as well was another one I probably should have questioned a bit.

In a final message to the club’s supporters, he said:  “It’s footy. It’s not a pleasant game sometimes. Tough decisions have got to be made. I understand that. The main thing for me, Hull is about its community. It’s about its supporters. It’s about its sponsors. That will never change. I’ll cherish those things forever. They’ve been a big part of my life for the last 15, 16 months.”