The Hull FC CEO on the 2025 season.
Richie Myler believes Hull FC have ‘completely transformed’ as a club this season following a ‘turbulent and desperate time’ last year.
Changing hands at the very top, Andrew Thirkill and David Hood took over as co-owners from Adam Pearson last November and, with a passion and drive to kick on, have turned the financial footing of the Black and Whites around alongside what has been a year of improvement under John Cartwright on the field.
In fact, Thirkill, a proud Leeds-born businessman and former president of Leeds Rhinos, has shown his passion for the club all year, appearing on the club’s team song after victories, not to mention his passionate speech to the home crowd last Thursday.
And after a reconnecting period, with everyone from players to staff to fans alike all on board, Myler, who shared his thanks at Monday’s Hull FC Player of the Year Awards, is expecting the current trajectory to continue next season.
“I think it’s been a fantastic year all round, on and off the field,” Myler said. “The club has completely transformed from what it was. We were in a tough spot, but, and to a lot of people’s credit, we’ve finally got the love back in Hull FC. Our crowds, our sponsors, our fans – everyone has reconnected, which has been fantastic.
“We are blessed in Andrew and David to have two wonderful people who supported the club in what was ultimately a very turbulent time. We didn’t really disclose how desperate it got, but we’re very fortunate and we’re very happy to be part of Hull FC now as a family. Everyone has talked about us being Leeds Rhinos fans, but we’ve fully turned to black and white now.”
Outlining the pride regained and progress made after a seventh-placed finish, Myler continued: “It’s just been a great year, but it’s been a massive collective effort – the players have bought back into putting pride back in the shirt and what it meant and being part of the community, which has been huge.
“There’s been some fantastic performances, going to Wigan twice, going to Catalans twice, and winning. Our away form has been unbelievable, really. We just need to get the same form at home now but we really appreciate the support from everyone who is backing what we’re trying to do.
“We’ve all bought into being a part of Hull FC and putting pride back into that journey and that badge. We were in a dark place as a club but thanks to everybody, we’ve got back on the right track.”
Determined to see the club progress again next year, Myler insists this year is ‘just the start of what’s to come’, with the club recruiting heavily again and retaining over a dozen players. However, the CEO has stated the team won’t get the surprise element they got this year.
He added: “This year has been successful. Under John, the players have got more connected, and he’s put a bit of honesty and a bit of steel back into the team, but this is only the start of what’s to come.
“Next year we won’t get that surprise; teams won’t think it’s an easy game, and the challenge is to raise our level again. We’ve recruited well and we’ve retained some boys that we feel are going to be really strong for us. It’s exciting times for us and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead.”