Hull FC Chairman Outlines Plans to Replace Sacked Head Coach Tony Smith
Hull FC have moved swiftly to address the departure of head coach Tony Smith, who was dismissed yesterday just 18 months into his purported five-year project. The Black and Whites’ chairman, Adam Pearson, has revealed the club’s strategy for finding Smith’s successor.
Pearson explained that the process of appointing a new head coach has already commenced, with the installation of a Director of Rugby expected as soon as next week. This newly created role will be responsible for identifying “the next coach and indeed some interim players” to steer the team through the remainder of the season.
The Hull FC chairman stated that the Director of Rugby is already sifting through a shortlist of around three potential head coaching candidates, with the aim of providing “positive news very quickly” on the new appointment. Pearson emphasized the need for a coach who can extract more from the underperforming squad and establish a clear playing identity.
Smith’s dismissal came after a string of poor results, with Hull FC slipping to seven defeats in their opening eight matches. The manner of the losses, including heavy home defeats to Huddersfield Giants, ultimately sealed the Australian’s fate.
Pearson assured fans that the new Director of Rugby, once in place, will conduct a thorough review of the club’s performance departments, including the medical team, player recruitment, and the academy setup. The chairman also confirmed that he will work closely with the new Director to manage the salary cap and player transactions.
While the timeline for the new head coach’s appointment may vary depending on whether the candidate is based locally or overseas, Pearson expressed confidence in the interim coaching duo of Simon Grix and Francis Cumming to oversee the team in the meantime.
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