Myler out to restore pride and reputation in Hull FC

Richie Myler won the Challenge Cup as a player with both Warrington and Leeds

Hull FC director of rugby Richie Myler says he is out to restore the club's pride after a difficult few seasons.

The Airlie Birds have finished progressively lower in each of the last four Super League seasons.

That culminated in their 11th place in 2024, only above bottom-of-the-table London Broncos on points difference.

"The biggest thing I want is people to be proud of Hull FC," Myler told BBC Radio Humberside.

'No one thinks we're any good'

Myler only came into the role in April following his retirement from playing with Championship side York Knights.

But the 2024 season was a miserable one for the club as they only won three of their 27 league matches and suffered defeats by more than 20 points in 12 games.

Tony Smith was dismissed just seven games into the campaign with Simon Grix working as interim head coach for the rest of the campaign.

However, Myler has appointed experienced Australian John Cartwright as the new head coach for the 2025 season.

With the club also poised for a takeover led by businessmen Andrew Thirkill and David Hudd, Myler hopes that this is the start of a shift in culture and perception.

Speaking at a fans' forum, the former Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves player said: "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 was assistant coach with Brisbane Broncos in the NRL

'Giving players right environment'

Cartwright had eight seasons as head coach of Gold Coast Titans in Australia's NRL and more recently was assistant coach at Brisbane Broncos.

But now the 59-year-old arrived to take over his first coaching role in England, and inherits a club that last had a winning record in 2020.

However, extensive work has been put in to improves things off the pitch, including completing development at the club's new training ground and Cartwright believes there will be a different feel to Hull FC in 2025.

"Last year happened and no-one is shying away from that," he said.

"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.

"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."