Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler has stepped forward to defend the club’s handling of the departure of head coach John Cartwright, following the announcement that Steve McNamara will assume the top coaching role in 2027. The situation has generated a great deal of speculation among supporters and pundits, prompting Myler to clarify the timeline, the reasoning behind the decision, and the way the club communicated with Cartwright throughout the process. Cartwright originally signed a three‑year contract that was intended to keep him at the helm until the conclusion of the 2027 Super League season. However, the board later decided that his agreement would be brought to an end at the close of the 2026 campaign.
The intention, according to the club, was for Cartwright to finish the current season, after which the transition to McNamara would be smooth and give the new coach ample time to plan for the 2027 season, which would be his first full year in charge of his hometown side. The announcement of Cartwright’s exit was made on 7 April, with the club stating that the Australian would leave at the end of the Betfred Super League season.
Six days later, Cartwright called a press conference that quickly turned volatile. He claimed he felt "betrayed" and "disrespected," insisting that he had not been given a clear rationale for the decision.
The emotional outburst was followed by his final match in charge – a home defeat to St Helens, 24‑14 – after which he walked off the field to a standing ovation. Players escorted him down the tunnel, a scene that combined genuine gratitude with a poignant farewell.
In the days that followed, Hull FC confirmed that Cartwright would no longer fulfil the duties of head coach, although he would remain employed by the organisation in a different capacity. The club then officially named Steve McNamara as the long‑term successor, signalling a clear direction for the future. Myler said his primary goal was to provide supporters with "clarity" and to dispel rumours that Cartwright had been notified of his dismissal via email.
He described the narrative that an email was used as "not strictly true" and emphasized that the conversation took place face‑to‑face. According to Myler, the meeting occurred in Cartwright’s office on the Monday preceding the Hull derby.
"It was a short conversation, lasting no more than ten minutes," Myler recalled. He added that his understanding of the discussion was that the club would pursue a different path from 2027 onward, but that Cartwright would retain full backing for the remainder of the 2026 season. Myler admitted that his delivery of the message may not have been as clear as the coach needed.
He explained that after his own meeting with Cartwright, he spoke with Andrew Thirkill, who then spent an hour on the phone with Cartwright to reiterate the club’s position and reaffirm its commitment to him for the next year. The contract stipulated that any termination had to be communicated in writing, and while some reports suggested an email was used, Myler insisted the written notice was part of a broader, more personal process. Regarding the timing of the decision, Myler argued that Hull could not afford to linger in a turbulent coaching market, especially given the availability of Steve McNamara. He noted that McNamara was still under contract with Warrington at the time, and the club had to navigate that situation before finalising the appointment.
"We were on the same page that this was happening subject to fine‑tuning," Myler said. He also explained that he deliberately withheld the news of McNamara from Cartwright until the appropriate moment, believing it would be unfair to reveal the plan prematurely.
Myler highlighted the broader context of the English coaching landscape. He referenced Huddersfield’s decision to part ways with Luke Robinson, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brad Arthur at Leeds, and the imminent departure of Willie Peters from Hull KR.
In his view, the market was highly fluid, and an opportunity arose to secure a coach he admired – a coach whose strengths Myler had witnessed during his tenure at Catalans. "I didn’t want to miss that opportunity," Myler said, adding that missing out on McNamara could have left the fanbase "extremely annoyed" a year later. The speed of the transition, Myler explained, was driven by circumstance.
He feared that if the club delayed, it might lose McNamara to another team, which would have left Hull FC scrambling for a replacement in a competitive market. The decision, while difficult for Cartwright, was presented as a necessary step to secure the club’s long‑term ambitions. In summary, Myler’s statements paint a picture of a club attempting to balance respect for a departing coach with the strategic need to lock in a preferred successor before the market closes. He acknowledges that communication could have been handled more delicately, but maintains that the club acted in good faith and within contractual obligations.
The transition to Steve McNamara is now set, with the expectation that he will take charge in 2027 after Cartwright completes his final season, allowing Hull FC to move forward with a clear vision for the future. Fans can continue to follow the Super League action, with Sky Sports broadcasting every match this season, including two exclusive live games each round and additional coverage throughout the week.