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 situation has sparked considerable debate among supporters and commentators, prompting Myler to clarify the timeline, the reasoning behind the move, and the manner in which the club communicated with Cartwright.
Initially, Cartwright was offered a three‑year contract that was supposed to keep him in charge through the conclusion of the 2027 Super League season. However, the board later decided to bring that agreement forward, ending his tenure at the close of the 2026 campaign. The club’s preferred scenario was for Cartwright to finish the current season, after which McNamara—who grew up in Hull and had previously served as an assistant coach at Warrington—would take over as the permanent head coach starting in 2027. The announcement that Cartwright would depart at the end of the Betfred Super League season came on 7 April.
Just six days later, the Australian coach appeared at a press conference that quickly turned emotional. He claimed he felt "betrayed" and "disrespected," insisting he had not been given a clear rationale for the decision and that the club had failed to treat him with the respect he believed his contract deserved.
Cartwright’s final match in charge was the high‑stakes Hull derby against Hull KR, a game that also featured a clash with St Helens. Hull FC fell 24‑14 at home, and after the final whistle Cartwright walked off the field to a standing ovation from the crowd. Several players followed him down the tunnel, creating a poignant scene that blended solidarity with a heartfelt farewell.
Shortly after that emotional exit, Hull FC confirmed that Cartwright would no longer perform head‑coach duties, although he would remain employed by the organization in another capacity. The club then officially named Steve McNamara as the long‑term successor, signalling a clear shift in strategic direction. Myler emphasized that his primary goal was to provide supporters with "clarity" about the situation. He rejected rumors that Cartwright had been informed of his dismissal via a cold email, insisting instead that a face‑to‑face conversation took place in Cartwright’s office on the Monday before the derby.
"It was a brief discussion, no longer than ten minutes," Myler said. He added that while his recollection of that meeting was straightforward, Cartwright seemed to interpret it differently, which contributed to the subsequent media frenzy. According to Myler, the core message of that meeting was that the club would pursue a different path beginning in 2027.
"John still had our full backing for the 2026 season," Myler explained. "We wanted him to hear the plan directly from the board rather than discover it through speculation in the press." He admitted that perhaps he had not communicated the nuances as clearly as Cartwright needed, acknowledging a potential shortfall in his own delivery. Following the initial conversation, Myler spoke with Andrew Thirkill, the club’s director of rugby, who then spent an hour on the phone with Cartwright reiterating the points discussed and confirming the club’s continued commitment for the remainder of the year. Myler also clarified a persistent narrative that the decision had been communicated via email, stating unequivocally that this was not the case.
"Part of John’s contract required us to give him written notice, but the actual discussion happened in person," he said. When asked about the timing of the decision, Myler explained that Hull could not afford to linger in a volatile coaching market. The availability of Steve McNamara, who was still under contract with Warrington at the time, created a narrow window of opportunity. "The timing is linked to Steve," Myler said.
"Steve and I had several conversations where the progression of his potential move became increasingly clear." Myler described the delicate balancing act of negotiating McNamara’s release while still honoring Cartwright’s contract. He noted that the club had to wait for McNamara’s situation with Warrington to be resolved before any formal agreement could be reached. "We were on the same page that this would happen subject to fine‑tuning," he added.
He also recounted his own internal debate about when to inform Cartwright of the impending change. "I was traveling and worried that John might hear the news from the media while I was away," Myler admitted. "At that point, John didn’t know about Steve because I hadn’t told him; I thought it wasn’t the right moment to disclose that information." Myler praised McNamara’s strengths, citing his successful stint at Catalans Dragons as evidence of his ability to lead a top‑flight organization. "I know Steve’s capabilities and what he can bring to Hull," Myler said.
"The speed of the transition was driven by market circumstances." He highlighted the broader context of the English coaching market at the time: Huddersfield had dismissed Luke Robinson, Leeds were dealing with uncertainty around Brad Arthur, and Willie Peters was set to leave Hull KR. "All of this created a perfect storm," Myler explained. "I saw an assistant coach at Warrington who could be a game‑changing appointment for us, and I didn’t want to let that slip away." Myler warned that missing the chance to secure McNamara could have alienated the fan base. "If I had let the opportunity pass, we would be having a very different conversation now, and our supporters would be extremely annoyed," he said.
"I didn’t want to miss an opportunity, even though the timeline inevitably impacted John’s position." He concluded by stating that the club’s intention had always been to be honest with Cartwright, but the reaction to the news forced the organization to act decisively. "Given how John responded, we had to move forward in the best interest of the club," Myler said. The episode underscores the complex interplay between contractual obligations, market dynamics, and the human element inherent in professional sport.
While Hull FC looks ahead to a new era under Steve McNamara, the club also acknowledges the contributions of John Cartwright and the emotional weight of his departure on players, staff, and supporters alike. For fans wanting to follow the upcoming season, Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match live, including two exclusive games each round, with the remaining fixtures shown throughout the week. The club encourages supporters to stay informed through official channels and to continue supporting the team as it embarks on this strategic transition.