Hull act swiftly to move on from Gentle era with fresh approach

Gentle and Hull parted company yesterday morning just two years into a four-year contract, though the 47-year-old’s departure was greatly anticipated after a humiliating end to the season that included a tame surrender in the Challenge Cup final and a 
13-try hammering in the play-offs at Huddersfield last week.

Lee Radford is widely expected to be named as Gentle’s successor this morning, having served as the departed head coach’s assistant for the last two years.

The 34-year-old – who will become the youngest head coach in Super League – will spearhead a coaching staff that is set to include long-serving academy coach Andy Last and former Airlie Birds player Paul Cooke.

Last looks likely to be promoted to become Radford’s assistant while Cooke, recently 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.

Radford joined his hometown club in 1997 and returned for a second spell in 2006 after a successful eight-year stint at Bradford.

He hung up his boots two years ago to take up a three-year contract as assistant coach, although he twice agreed to come out of retirement to answer the club’s injury crisis.

The new-look staff continues a welcome trend in Super League of owners placing their faith in home-grown coaches.

Radford will become the ninth English head coach in the 14-team Super League, with only Hull KR, London Broncos, St Helens and Warrington having Australians in charge.

It is a far cry from 2000 when the sacking of John Kear at Huddersfield, which paved the way for the appointment of Australian Tony Smith, meant that every club in Super League had an overseas coach in charge.

Even French club Catalan Dragons have their own home-grown coach in Laurent Frayssinous and Hull owner Adam Pearson will have taken note that of the four clubs involved in this week’s play-off semi-finals, three are coached by Englishmen.

Pearson pulled the trigger on Gentle’s reign yesterday after what had been a disappointing end to a season that promised so much.

Although Gentle guided the Black and Whites to the Challenge Cup final at Wembley last month, they hugely under-performed on the day, losing 16-0 to Wigan, and their 76-18 defeat at the hands of the Giants last Thursday was the final straw for Pearson, who immediately promised a root-and-branch review of football operations.

It was no surprise that the outcome of the review was the exit of Gentle, who had two years left on his contract but appears to have been on borrowed time for much of the season.

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.”

In a statement, 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.”

n Hull KR have given centre Liam Salter a new contract that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2017.

The 20-year-old, who is a product of the club’s academy, was already contracted for next season but has agreed a three-year extension following a successful 2013 campaign in which he missed just five matches.

“Liam has come a long way this year,” said Rovers coach Craig Sandercock. “He’s someone who we probably didn’t think would play every week. We knew that he was a good, solid player and that we might get 10 games out of him.

“But he really exceeded all expectations this year and, if he has a big pre-season and works on the areas we’ve identified for him to improve, then we’re really confident Liam will be a great player for this club for many years to come.

“I’ve coached many young kids during my time and his attitude is as good as any.”

Salter said: “I had no hesitation in signing. To have the chance to play here is a real honour for me.”

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