Gentle reign over at Hull FC

Hull FC have parted company with head coach Peter Gentle

The 47-year-old Australian had two years left on his contract but has been the subject of much speculation over his future and his exit was confirmed five days after the club’s record 76-18 Super League play-off defeat by Huddersfield.

Hull owner Adam Pearson said: “The club would like to place on record their gratitude to Peter for his efforts, hard work and dedication, helping to progress the club on the field in his two seasons in charge.”

Hull say they will confirm a successor “in due course” but it is thought they will appoint from within, with Gentle’s assistant Lee Radford favourite to step up alongside academy coach Andy Last.

Former player Paul Cooke, the newly-appointed head coach of Doncaster, is also expected to play a role in the re-organisation, with Hull set to announce a partnership with the Championship club.

Tuesday’s announcement comes as no surprise following Pearson’s decision to conduct a “root-and-branch” review of the club’s football department in the wake of their 13-try humiliation by the Giants.

Gentle, who left his role as assistant coach of Wests Tigers to succeed Richard Agar two years ago, said in the post-match press conference at Huddersfield he was “100 per cent sure” he would be in charge next season.

However, although Gentle guided Hull to the Challenge Cup final and a sixth-place finish in Super League, they flopped on the big occasion each time.

In a statement on Tuesday, Gentle said: “In the past 24 months, the club has made significant strides in performance, training facilities, recruitment and player development at all levels, making the top six in each campaign, and reaching the Challenge Cup final at Wembley this season.

“Injuries, including long-term absences, have hampered our plans on the field, especially in the cup final and the final play-off match this season.

“An outstanding memory will be the passionate support of the faithful fans for myself and my family, who have been made so welcome, and we wish the club all the best for the future.”