Richie Myler Aims to Rebuild Hull FC’s Pride and Standing

Hull FC’s director of rugby, Richie Myler, has stated his intention to reinstate the club’s pride following several challenging seasons. Myler previously secured the Challenge Cup as a player with both Warrington and Leeds. The team, known as the Airlie Birds, has seen its Super League standings decline consistently over the past four seasons. This trend culminated in an 11th-place finish in 2024, placing them only ahead of the last-place London Broncos due to points difference. Myler conveyed to BBC Radio Humberside that his primary objective is for “people to be proud of Hull FC.” Myler assumed his current position in April, having retired from his playing career with the Championship team York Knights. However, the 2024 season proved challenging for the club, which secured victories in only three of its 27 league fixtures and experienced losses by margins exceeding 20 points in 12 matches. Tony Smith was removed from his coaching role after only seven games into the season, with Simon Grix serving as interim head coach for the remainder of the campaign. Nevertheless, Myler has since named John Cartwright, an experienced Australian, as the new head coach for the upcoming 2025 season. Given that the club is also anticipating a takeover spearheaded by businessmen Andrew Thirkill and David Hudd, Myler expressed optimism that these developments mark the beginning of a change in the club’s culture and public perception. Addressing a fans’ forum, the former player for Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves articulated: “At the moment, everyone disrespects us, doesn’t think we’re any good, doesn’t think we’re doing business right, doesn’t think we’re running the rugby club right. “For me to change that perception of us and for people to feel proud and want to come to watch and us and feel a part of it or for away people who are not a part of our club to respect us, those are the biggest things.” John Cartwright previously served as an assistant coach for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL. Cartwright spent eight seasons as head coach of the Gold Coast Titans in Australia’s NRL and more recently held an assistant coaching position with the Brisbane Broncos. Now, the 59-year-old has arrived to assume his inaugural coaching role in England, taking charge of a club whose last winning record dates back to 2020. Nonetheless, significant efforts have been made to enhance off-field operations, such as finalizing the development of the club’s new training ground. Cartwright expressed his conviction that Hull FC will have a distinct atmosphere in 2025. He stated, “Last year happened and no-one is shying away from that.” He added, “We’ve made a big effort to get the building blocks of the club back to a really professional level. The medical staff, the performance staff, the academy staff, our administration, it goes right across the club.” He further commented, “It’s giving the players the environment they need. With new blokes coming in and younger blokes coming through, I can feel it, I can taste it and I’m excited for the first game next year.”