Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler has publicly defended the club’s handling of John Cartwright’s exit after confirming that Steve McNamara will assume the head‑coach role in 2027. The situation has generated considerable debate among supporters, media commentators and the wider rugby league community, prompting Myler to clarify the timeline, the reasoning and the communication process that led to the change. Cartwright originally signed a three‑year deal that was set to run through the conclusion of the 2027 Super League season. However, the club later informed the Australian coach that his contract would be terminated a year early, at the close of the 2026 campaign.
The intention, according to the board, was to allow Cartwright to finish the current season while preparing the ground for McNamara’s arrival as the long‑term successor. On 7 April, Hull FC announced that Cartwright would depart at the end of the Betfred Super League season. Six days later, the head coach held a fiery press conference in which he claimed to feel “betrayed” and “disrespected”, insisting he had received no clear explanation for the decision. The emotional fallout was palpable when Cartwright led the team into a match against Hull KR and St Helens, a 24‑14 defeat at home, before exiting the field to a standing ovation.
Players followed him down the tunnel, a scene that blended solidarity with a poignant farewell. Shortly after that game, the club confirmed that Cartwright would no longer fulfil head‑coach duties, though he would remain employed in a different capacity. Steve McNamara was then officially named as the long‑term replacement.
Myler said his aim was to give supporters “clarity” and refuted rumors that Cartwright had been notified via email. He stressed that a face‑to‑face conversation had taken place in Cartwright’s office the Monday before the Hull derby. “My understanding of that conversation was clear,” Myler explained.
“John recalled it slightly differently, and that discrepancy has fed the subsequent narrative.” He added that the meeting had established that from 2027 the club would pursue a new direction, while reaffirming full support for Cartwright through the 2026 season. Myler admitted that perhaps his message could have been delivered more explicitly for the coach’s benefit.
Following the initial discussion, Myler spoke with Andrew Thirkill, who then held a lengthy phone call with Cartwright to reiterate the club’s stance and confirm that the 2026 season remained a priority. The executive clarified that the contract stipulated a written notice of termination, and that the claim of an email notification was inaccurate.
When questioned about the timing of the decision, Myler pointed to the volatile nature of the Super League coaching market and the need to act before opportunities slipped away. He highlighted that Steve McNamara’s availability was a key factor.
“The timing is linked to Steve,” he said. “Steve and I had a series of conversations that made it clear the transition was progressing.” McNamara was still under contract with Warrington at the time, requiring careful negotiation. Myler noted that the board wanted to ensure everything was “fine‑tuned” before making any public announcement.
He also admitted that he deliberately withheld information about McNamara from Cartwright until the appropriate moment, believing it would be unfair to reveal the plan prematurely. “My knowledge of Steve’s strengths comes from watching him at Catalans,” Myler said. “I knew he could bring a fresh perspective to Hull, and I didn’t want to miss that chance.” He referenced the broader coaching landscape: Huddersfield had dismissed Luke Robinson, Leeds were dealing with Brad Arthur’s situation, and Willie Peters was set to leave Hull KR.
All these movements created a narrow window for Hull FC to secure a high‑calibre successor. The executive warned that if Hull had let the opportunity pass, the fan base would have been “extremely annoyed”. He argued that the swift decision, while painful for Cartwright, was necessary to protect the club’s long‑term interests. “The timeline unfortunately affected John’s position, but our intention was to be honest with him,” Myler asserted.
He added that Cartwright’s reaction forced the board to act decisively. In summary, Myler’s statements paint a picture of a club navigating a complex set of variables: contractual obligations, market dynamics, and the desire to maintain competitive stability.
While the early termination of Cartwright’s contract sparked controversy, the leadership maintains that the move was made in good faith, with transparent communication—albeit perhaps not as clear as it could have been—and with the future success of Hull FC in mind. The transition to Steve McNamara is now set to unfold in 2027, with the expectation that the new coach will build on the foundations laid by his predecessor while steering the team toward renewed ambition in the Super League.