The Black and Whites’ 2026 season has been a disaster
Hull FC owner Andrew Thirkill.(Image: Hull FC )
Hull FC owners Andrew Thirkill and David Hood have released a statement apologising to the club’s supporters for the way the 2026 season has panned out.
The Black and Whites slipped to another defeat on Saturday evening despite fighting back to eventually push Leigh close in the 32-22 loss.
That was Hull’s fifth successive defeat and their 14th loss overall and as a result, they remain in 13th spot, with Huddersfield Giants being the only team beneath them in the league table.
Fans have voiced their concern and anger in recent weeks and the owners have felt the need to release a statement to offer an apology to the fans.
In the message, Thirkill and Hood admit that mistakes have been made, while also pointing to historical issues they inherited from the previous ownership.
The pair outline that changes will be made to the playing group with the long-term futures of some being assessed. They also insist that new signings will be announced very shortly.
The statement concludes with a message about their desire to awaken Hull as a sleeping giant. Supporters have also been offered free travel to FC’s remaining domestic away fixtures, as a gesture of the club’s appreciation.
The statement, which can be read in its entirety here, starts: “We would like to begin by apologising to every Hull FC supporter.
“This season has been unacceptable, and nobody is more disappointed by the club’s performances and results than we are. However difficult the present moment may feel, we remain convinced that the future of Hull FC is brighter than it has been for many years.
“When we acquired the club, following Richie Myler’s appointment as Director of Rugby, it was Richie’s encouragement for the two of us to invest that convinced us to do so. However, the club’s financial, operational and organisational position was considerably more serious than we had ever understood.
“We have therefore spent much of our ownership addressing historic issues while investing heavily to stabilise the club and begin rebuilding it properly.
“That does not excuse what has happened on the field this season, but it is important that supporters understand the enormous scale of the challenge we inherited and the work that continues behind the scenes.”
It continues: “The club has already begun a meaningful overhaul of the playing squad in preparation for Steve’s arrival. Inevitably, that has created uncertainty for some players whose long-term futures with Hull FC are being assessed. However, difficult decisions are necessary if we are to build the successful and sustainable team our supporters deserve.
“Despite the difficulties of this season, there are many positive developments taking place.
“We expect shortly to be able to announce some of the new players who will join Hull FC for the 2027 season. The club’s structures, standards and working practices are being strengthened, while significant improvements are being made to our training environment.
“We are now working closely with the University of Hull to benefit from its world-class sports performance programmes, expertise and facilities. Our club offices will also be relocating to the University campus over the next year to further strengthen the relationship between our on and off field operations.
“These developments form an important part of creating the professional, high-performance environment required by a modern and successful sporting organisation.
Hull FC is a sleeping giant. Our responsibility is to awaken it, rebuild it and create a club capable of competing consistently at the highest level.
“We are sorry that this season has been so difficult. We accept that mistakes have been made, and we take responsibility for them.”