Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler has stepped forward to explain the club's handling of the abrupt exit of head coach John Cartwright, confirming that former England and Warrington boss Steve McNamara will assume the top job in 2027. The situation, which unfolded over a few weeks in early April, has sparked intense debate among supporters and pundits alike, prompting Myler to offer a detailed account of the decisions that led to the managerial reshuffle.
Initially, Cartwright was handed a three‑year contract that was meant to keep him at the helm through the close of the 2027 Super League season. However, the board later decided to truncate the agreement, stipulating that his tenure would finish at the end of the 2026 campaign instead. The club’s preferred scenario was for Cartwright to finish the current season, after which McNamara would take over as head coach of his hometown side in the following year.
On April 7, Hull FC publicly announced that Cartwright’s contract would not be extended beyond the end of the Betfred Super League season. Six days later, the Australian coach appeared at a press conference that quickly turned confrontational. He claimed he felt "betrayed" and "disrespected," insisting that he had received no clear rationale for the club’s decision and that the news had been delivered to him indirectly rather than face‑to‑face. Cartwright’s final match in charge was the high‑profile derby against Hull KR, a game that also featured a clash with St Helens.
Hull FC suffered a 24‑14 home defeat, and after the final whistle Cartwright walked off the pitch to a standing ovation from the crowd. Players followed him down the tunnel, creating a poignant scene that blended solidarity with a heartfelt farewell.
Shortly after the derby, the club confirmed that Cartwright would no longer perform head‑coach duties, though he would remain employed in a different capacity within the organisation. The announcement also confirmed Steve McNamara as the long‑term successor, cementing the club’s strategic shift. Myler insisted that his aim was to provide supporters with "clarity" and to dispel rumours that Cartwright had been informed of his dismissal via email.
He described the narrative that an email was used as "not strictly true," emphasizing that a brief, in‑person conversation took place in Cartwright’s office on the Monday before the derby. "John and I spoke for about ten minutes in his office about the upcoming derby," Myler recounted.
"My understanding was that the club would move in a new direction from 2027, but that John still had our full backing for the remainder of 2026. I wanted him to hear that directly from the board rather than from speculation in the press." Myler acknowledged that the message may not have been delivered as clearly as required. He added that after his own discussion with Cartwright, he spoke with Andrew Thirkill, who then held a longer phone call with Cartwright to reiterate the club’s position and confirm the written notice required by the contract.
"The contract stipulates a written notice, and the suggestion that it was sent by email is inaccurate," Myler clarified. When questioned about the timing of the decision, Myler explained that Hull FC could not afford to linger in a volatile coaching market, especially given McNamara’s availability. "The timing is directly linked to Steve McNamara," he said.
"Steve and I had been discussing his potential move, but it wasn’t final because he was still under contract with Warrington at the time. We needed to align everything carefully." Myler admitted that he had deliberately withheld the news of McNamara’s approach from Cartwright, believing it would be unfair to reveal it prematurely.
"John was unaware of Steve’s interest because I didn’t think it was the right moment to tell him," Myler explained. "The situation evolved quickly, and I recognised Steve’s strengths from his work at Catalans." He also highlighted the broader context of the English coaching market. With Huddersfield parting ways with Luke Robinson, Leeds dealing with the uncertainty around Brad Arthur, and Willie Peters set to leave Hull KR, opportunities were scarce and timing was critical. "I saw a potential assistant at Warrington who could step up, and I didn’t want to miss that chance," Myler said.
"If I had waited a year, Steve might have become Hull KR’s head coach, and we would have lost a valuable opportunity, which would have upset our fan base. Myler concluded that the rapid sequence of events, driven by market dynamics, inevitably impacted Cartwright’s position. "Our intention was always to be honest with John," he asserted.
"Unfortunately, the speed of the market forced us to act in a way that affected his role, and his reaction required us to make further decisions." The club also confirmed that all Super League fixtures will continue to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with two matches per round shown exclusively on the platform and the remaining five matches available throughout the week. This ensures fans can follow the league’s progress even as Hull FC navigates its internal changes.
In summary, Richie Myler’s statements aim to clarify that the decision to replace John Cartwright was not a sudden, unilateral move but rather a calculated response to a shifting coaching landscape, contractual obligations, and the desire to secure a long‑term vision for Hull FC. While the transition has been emotionally charged for both staff and supporters, the club believes that appointing Steve McNamara will position them competitively for the upcoming seasons.