Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler has publicly defended the club’s handling of head coach John Cartwright’s exit after confirming that Steve McNamara will assume the role in 2027. The decision, which initially seemed abrupt to many supporters, stems from a strategic plan that the club believes will secure its future in a highly competitive Super League environment.
Cartwright had originally signed a three‑year contract intended to keep him at the helm through the conclusion of the 2027 Super League season. However, the board later informed the Australian coach that his agreement would be terminated a year early, ending at the close of the 2026 campaign. The preferred scenario, according to the club, was for Cartwright to finish the current season before McNamara stepped in as the long‑term successor for the Hull side, which is McNamara’s hometown club. On April 7, Hull FC announced that Cartwright would depart at the end of the Betfred Super League season.
Six days later, the coach held a passionate press conference in which he claimed to feel "betrayed" and "disrespected," insisting he had not been given a clear rationale for the decision. The tension was palpable, but Cartwright still led the team onto the field for the match against Hull KR and St Helens, a game that ended in a 24‑14 home defeat. After the final whistle, he walked off to a standing ovation, with many players following him down the tunnel in a display that felt both like a show of solidarity and a heartfelt farewell.
Shortly after the match, Hull confirmed that Cartwright would no longer perform head‑coach duties, although he would remain employed by the club in a different capacity. The organization then officially named Steve McNamara as the long‑term replacement, cementing the transition plan that had been discussed behind the scenes. Myler emphasized that his aim was to provide supporters with "clarity" and to dispel rumors that Cartwright had been informed of his dismissal via email. He described the narrative of an impersonal email as "not strictly true" and highlighted that the actual conversation took place face‑to‑face in Cartwright’s office on the Monday before the Hull derby.
"John and I spoke for about ten minutes in his office about the upcoming derby," Myler recounted. "My understanding of that talk was clear, although John recalled it slightly differently, which has contributed to the confusion that followed." According to Myler, the meeting clarified that from 2027 the club intended to move in a new direction, but that Cartwright still enjoyed full backing for the remainder of the 2026 season. The chief executive stressed that the intention was for Cartwright to hear this directly from the board, not from a speculative newspaper article that had been circulating for months about a potential replacement.
Myler admitted, "Perhaps I failed to deliver the message as clearly as John needed it," and explained that after the meeting he spoke with Andrew Thirkill, who then held an hour‑long phone call with Cartwright to reiterate the club’s stance and reaffirm its commitment for the 2026 campaign. A further point of contention involved the contractual requirement to inform Cartwright of the decision in writing.
While some reports suggested the notice was sent by email, Myler reiterated that this was inaccurate, stating that the written notification was handled according to proper protocol, but not via a simple electronic message. When questioned about the timing of the decision, Myler argued that Hull could not afford to linger in a volatile coaching market, especially given the availability of Steve McNamara. "The timing is linked to Steve McNamara," he explained. "Steve and I had a conversation where things were progressing very clearly.
It wasn’t a done deal because he was still under contract with Warrington, and we had to sort that out first." Myler described the rapid sequence of events as a response to market dynamics. He noted that several English coaches were on the move: Huddersfield had dismissed Luke Robinson, Leeds were dealing with Brad Arthur’s situation, and the most obvious vacancy was Willie Peters leaving Hull KR. "I was aware of an assistant coach at Warrington who could be a great fit for us, and I didn’t want to miss that chance," Myler said. He warned that if he had let the opportunity slip, the fan base would have been "extremely annoyed" a year later when McNamara might have taken a different role.
The chief executive acknowledged that the speed of the transition inevitably affected Cartwright’s position, but insisted the club’s intention had always been honesty. "I didn’t want to miss an opportunity," Myler asserted.
"The timeline unfortunately impacted John’s situation, but we aimed to be transparent with him. Given his reaction to the news, we had to act accordingly." In summary, Hull FC’s leadership believes the early termination of Cartwright’s contract and the appointment of Steve McNamara are necessary steps to keep the club competitive in a rapidly shifting coaching landscape. While the process has generated controversy and emotional responses from supporters and players alike, the board maintains that clear communication and strategic foresight guided their actions.
The club now looks ahead to the 2027 season, anticipating that McNamara’s experience—particularly his successful stint at Catalans—will bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to Hull FC’s pursuit of Super League success. Sky Sports has confirmed it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, offering two exclusive live games per round and covering the remaining fixtures throughout the week, ensuring fans can follow the drama as Hull FC navigates this pivotal period.