Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler has stepped forward to clarify the club’s handling of head coach John Cartwright’s exit, following the announcement that Steve McNamara will assume the top job in 2027. Myler emphasized that the board’s actions were driven by a desire for transparency and strategic planning, rather than any personal slight toward Cartwright.
Cartwright originally signed a three‑year contract that was meant to keep him at the helm until the conclusion of the 2027 Super League season. However, the club later informed the Australian coach that his agreement would be curtailed to finish at the end of the 2026 campaign. The intention, according to the Hull hierarchy, was for Cartwright to see out the remainder of the current season before McNamara – a native of Hull who had built a reputation as a forward‑thinking tactician – would take over as the long‑term leader of the team. The timeline of events unfolded quickly.
On 7 April, Hull FC issued a formal statement confirming that Cartwright would depart at the close of the Betfred Super League season. Six days later, the coach held a heated press conference in which he expressed feelings of betrayal and disrespect, alleging that he had not been given a clear rationale for the decision. The emotional intensity of that interview set the tone for the weeks that followed.
Cartwright’s final match in charge was the high‑stakes derby against Hull KR, which doubled as a showdown with league heavyweights St Helens. Hull FC fell 24‑14 at home, and after the final whistle the departing coach walked off the field to a standing ovation.
Players filed down the tunnel alongside him, a scene that blended genuine gratitude with a poignant farewell. Shortly after the derby, the club reiterated that Cartwright would no longer fulfil head‑coach duties, although he would remain employed by Hull FC in a different capacity.
The board then confirmed that Steve McNamara had been appointed as the long‑term successor, signalling a clear shift in the club’s strategic direction. Myler stressed that his primary goal was to give supporters “clarity” about the situation and to dispel rumors that Cartwright had been notified of his termination via email. According to the CEO, that narrative is “not strictly true.” He pointed instead to a brief, face‑to‑face conversation that took place in Cartwright’s office on the Monday preceding the Hull derby. Myler described the exchange as lasting no more than ten minutes, during which he explained that the club would pursue a different path starting in 2027 while still backing Cartwright fully through the 2026 season.
“My understanding of that conversation was clear,” Myler said. “John recalled it slightly differently, and that discrepancy has fueled the subsequent media storm.” He admitted that perhaps he had not communicated the message as plainly as the coach needed, and he noted that after the meeting he spoke with director of football Andrew Thirkill, who then held an hour‑long phone call with Cartwright to reiterate the club’s stance and reaffirm its commitment for the remaining year.
The contract clause that required a written notice of termination also entered the discussion. Myler clarified that while the club did send formal paperwork, it was not an impersonal email blast but a proper written notice in line with contractual obligations.
When asked why the decision had been made at that particular moment, Myler explained that Hull FC 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.
“We had a clear dialogue with him, and things were progressing quickly.” He added that the club was mindful of the broader English coaching landscape, noting recent upheavals such as Huddersfield’s dismissal of Luke Robinson, the uncertainty surrounding Brad Arthur at Leeds, and the imminent departure of Willie Peters from Hull KR. “When you see those openings, you realise you need to act fast,” Myler observed. “I didn’t want to miss an opportunity that could benefit Hull FC for years to come.” Myler also reflected on the potential fan reaction had the club missed the chance to secure McNamara. He imagined a scenario where the role went to a different candidate, perhaps an assistant coach from Warrington, and the supporters would have been left feeling aggrieved.
“If I had let that slip, I think our fanbase would have been extremely annoyed,” he admitted. In hindsight, Myler acknowledged that the speed of the transition – driven by market conditions and contractual negotiations – inadvertently placed Cartwright in a difficult position.
“The timeline unfortunately affected John’s position, but our intention was to be honest with him,” he said. “Given how he responded to the news, we felt compelled to act accordingly.” The club’s communication strategy also involved ensuring that the announcement did not come from a newspaper or a speculative article, but directly from the board and the CEO. Myler stressed that transparency was essential to maintain trust with the supporters, even if the message was uncomfortable.
Looking forward, Hull FC will continue to compete in the Super League under the guidance of the existing coaching staff for the remainder of the 2026 season, while preparations for McNamara’s arrival are already underway. The organization hopes that the transition will be smooth and that the new coach’s vision will align with the club’s long‑term ambitions of challenging for titles and strengthening its community ties.
Fans can follow the remaining fixtures on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every Super League game live this season, including two matches each round that will be shown exclusively, with the other five matches available throughout the week. The club encourages supporters to stay engaged, sign up for tailored sports notifications, and keep an eye on the latest league table as Hull FC navigates the final stretch of the campaign before the planned leadership change in 2027.