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, which has generated considerable debate among supporters and pundits, revolves around a contractual adjustment and a strategic shift in the club’s long‑term planning.
Initially, Cartwright was offered a three‑year deal that was meant to keep him in charge 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 end of the 2026 campaign. Hull’s preferred scenario was for Cartwright to complete the current season before McNamara stepped in as the new head coach of his hometown club the following year.
On April 7, Hull announced that Cartwright would depart at the end of the Betfred Super League season. Six days later, the coach held an emotionally charged press conference in which he claimed to feel "betrayed" and "disrespected," insisting he had received no clear explanation for the decision. Despite the tension, Cartwright still led the team in the subsequent match against Hull KR and St Helens, a 24‑14 defeat at home, before exiting the field to a standing ovation.
Players escorted him down the tunnel, a scene that blended solidarity with a heartfelt farewell. Shortly after that match, Hull confirmed that Cartwright would no longer fulfil head‑coach duties, though he would remain employed by the club in another capacity. The organization then officially named Steve McNamara as the long‑term successor, signalling a clear direction for the future. Myler stressed that his aim was to provide supporters with "clarity" regarding the situation and rejected rumours that Cartwright had been notified of his dismissal via email.
According to Myler, that narrative is "not strictly true". He pointed to a brief, face‑to‑face conversation that took place in Cartwright’s office on the Monday before the Hull derby. "John and I spoke for about ten minutes about the upcoming derby," Myler recalled. "My understanding of that conversation was clear, though John remembers it slightly differently, and that discrepancy has fueled the subsequent media coverage." Myler explained that the core message from that meeting was that the club intended to move in a new direction starting in 2027, while still offering Cartwright full support for the remainder of the 2026 season.
He emphasized that the intent was for Cartwright to hear the news directly from the board, rather than from speculative newspaper articles that had been circulating for months about a potential replacement. He admitted that perhaps he had not communicated the plan as plainly as John needed.
Following the initial discussion, Myler spoke with Andrew Thirkill, who then held a longer phone call with Cartwright to reiterate the club’s position and reaffirm its commitment to him for the 2026 year. "Part of John’s contract required us to inform him in writing about the decision," Myler added, "but the suggestion that we did so via email is inaccurate." When asked about the timing of the decision, Myler argued that Hull could not afford to delay its move amid a volatile coaching market, especially given McNamara’s availability. "The timing is linked to Steve McNamara," he said.
" Steve and I had several conversations where the progress was very clear." Myler clarified that the arrangement was not a foregone conclusion because McNamara was still under contract with Warrington at the time, and the clubs needed to resolve that situation first. "We were on the same page that this would happen subject to fine‑tuning," he explained. "I was traveling when the news broke, and I was concerned John might learn about it while I was away. At that point, John didn’t know about Steve because I hadn’t told him; he only knew someone else was being considered." He praised McNamara’s strengths, noting his previous success at Catalans and his ability to uplift an organisation.
"I know Steve’s strengths and what he can bring to a club," Myler said. "The speed of the decision was driven by circumstances in the wider market.
Look at English coaches right now: Huddersfield let Luke Robinson go, Leeds are dealing with Brad Arthur, and Willie Peters is leaving Hull KR." Myler admitted that he recognized an opportunity in an assistant coach at Warrington and did not want to miss it. "If I had let that chance slip, we would be having a very different conversation now, and our fans would be extremely annoyed," he warned. "I didn’t want to miss an opportunity. The timeline unfortunately impacted John’s position, but our intention was to be honest with him." He concluded by stating that, given Cartwright’s reaction to the news, the club had to act accordingly.
"We have had to respond to his response," Myler said, underscoring the delicate balance between respecting a long‑serving coach and pursuing what the board believes is best for the club’s future. The broader context of the Super League coaching market adds another layer of complexity. With several high‑profile vacancies and movements—Huddersfield’s dismissal of Luke Robinson, Leeds’ ongoing saga with Brad Arthur, and the imminent departure of Willie Peters from Hull KR—clubs are scrambling to secure the best talent. Myler’s comments suggest that Hull FC wanted to act decisively to lock in a coach they view as a strong fit before other clubs could intervene.
Fans have expressed mixed feelings about the transition. While some appreciate the transparency offered by Myler and the prospect of a fresh direction under McNamara, others feel a sense of loyalty to Cartwright, who has guided the team through challenging periods. The standing ovation after his final match reflects the respect he still commands among players and supporters alike.
Looking ahead, the 2027 season will mark the beginning of a new era for Hull FC under McNamara’s leadership. The club hopes that the early appointment will provide stability, allow for strategic planning, and give the new coach ample time to shape the squad according to his vision. Meanwhile, Cartwright’s continued employment with the club suggests that his expertise may still be utilised in a different capacity, perhaps in player development or as a consultant.
Overall, Myler’s statements aim to reassure the fanbase that the decision was made after careful consideration of both the club’s long‑term ambitions and the rapidly shifting coaching landscape. By addressing rumours, clarifying the timeline, and acknowledging the emotional impact on Cartwright, the CEO hopes to move the conversation forward and focus on the upcoming season’s challenges and opportunities. Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League game this season, offering fans extensive coverage, including two exclusive live matches per round and additional fixtures shown throughout the week.