“Weird” – Jon Wilkin’s verdict on Hull FC’s Richie Myler appointment

It’s been a hectic eight days at Hull FC with Tony Smith sacked last Thursday and Richie Myler appointed as Director of Rugby on Monday, with interim head coach Simon Grix to lead the team out against St Helens tonight.

Whilst the dismissal of Smith was somewhat shocking, it certainly wasn’t as much of a surprise as Richie Myler retiring from York Knights to take on the role of Director of Rugby at the MKM Stadium.

It was an appointment that has sparked ridicule and questions from many fans, however, lots of others have pointed to the fact that Myler marks a new face with rugby league knowledge.

Interim coach Simon Grix has argued that it “can’t be a bad thing” and now Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin has had his say live on Sky Sports News’ The Verdict.

Speaking to Jenna Brooks, the Hull-born pundit queried the appointment: “It is, I suppose, a left-field appointment because I didn’t see the job being advertised, and I wasn’t aware that Hull were in the market for somebody like this.

“They’ve taken Richie Myler, who’s just dropped straight out of his professional career into this.”

Wilkin would then go on to explain the huge task that Richie Myler has to take on.

What Richie Myler must do at Hull FC?

Wilkin will have played against Myler plenty of times in his career and one thing he’s certain of is Myler’s certainty in himself, regardless of what a “weird” appointment it is.

“It just felt like a weird appointment, but that being said, he’s got the confidence of a thousand men. He’s self-assured and confident, so I’m sure he’ll give it a great crack,” Wilkin argued.

He did explain what a mammoth task the former Ireland international has on his hands, explaining that the lack of clarity regarding the role coupled with multiple objectives makes for a tough task.

The ex-Saints captain said: “I wish Richie all the best: he’s got a job on his hands, because usually when you go into a job, there’s real clarity about what the mission is, the goal is, about where you can make improvement. I think with Hull FC, there’s so much to unravel.”

Wilkin unravelled it as such: “First thing is first-team performances. Two is long-term succession planning, recruitment, and all of that piece. That needs to happen. That also needs to fall inside the bigger vision and investment in the club. Somebody coming in at the top end of the club.

“Now Richie goes into a club at maybe its lowest ebbing in some time, which is an exciting opportunity for a young guy with no experience, and as I will always say, a naive eye to a situation sometimes brings a fresh perspective.”

The first task for Richie Myler will be finding a new head coach with interim boss Simon Grix currently leading the club into their clash against St Helens tonight.

Details of that game and all other rugby league games on TV can be found here.