Hull FC’s Andy Last targeting top-four as he finally takes charge of the team

CREATING a winning environment is new interim-coach Andy Last’s priority as Hull prepare to come out of their coronavirus shutdown.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 28/07/2020 - Rugby League - Super League - Hull FC Training, Elite Performance Centre, Hull, England - Hull FC's interim coach Andy Last in training after the Coronavirus Covid-19 layoff.Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 28/07/2020 - Rugby League - Super League - Hull FC Training, Elite Performance Centre, Hull, England - Hull FC's interim coach Andy Last in training after the Coronavirus Covid-19 layoff.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 28/07/2020 - Rugby League - Super League - Hull FC Training, Elite Performance Centre, Hull, England - Hull FC's interim coach Andy Last in training after the Coronavirus Covid-19 layoff.

Hull return to action tomorrow when they meet Salford Red Devils on neutral ground at Leeds’s Headingley Stadium.

Last, having filled a variety of roles during 20 years at the club, was previously assistant to Lee Radford who was sacked after a 38-4 home defeat by Warrington Wolves in March.

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“I have been at the club a long time and I understand the expectations of the club and the supporters,” said Last, who will make his debut as coach tomorrow.

Leeds Rhino's Liam Sutcliffe tackles Hull Fc Gareth Ellis during the Betfred Super League match at Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds. PA Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 2, 2020. See PA story RUGBYU Leeds. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. No false commercial association. No video emulation. No manipulation of images.Leeds Rhino's Liam Sutcliffe tackles Hull Fc Gareth Ellis during the Betfred Super League match at Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds. PA Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 2, 2020. See PA story RUGBYU Leeds. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. No false commercial association. No video emulation. No manipulation of images.
Leeds Rhino's Liam Sutcliffe tackles Hull Fc Gareth Ellis during the Betfred Super League match at Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds. PA Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 2, 2020. See PA story RUGBYU Leeds. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. No false commercial association. No video emulation. No manipulation of images.

“They meet my own expectations; I love to win and I have let the boys know I expect us to be competing hard each and every day in practice and in each and every game we play.

“Ultimately, I want to create a winning environment and once you get some wins on the board you can start focusing on your style of play.

“Winning is the most important thing, first and foremost.”

Last’s first game in charge has been a long time coming, but he reckons he is ready.

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“I think there has been a shift in my own mindset since we came back from lockdown,” he said.

“I feel comfortable in the position of head coach and I like the responsibility of directing the staff and leading the playing group.

“It has been challenging, but exciting at the same time.”

At the end of a shortened 20-round season, the top-four teams will contest knockout semi-finals and Last insists Hull can be in the mix.

“The way we have practiced, I would be happy taking on any team in the competition at the moment,” said the 39-year-old, who believes nine or 10 wins are needed to secure a semi-final place.

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“But what we have got to do is transfer what we have done on the training field into games.

“I do think we are capable of making the top-four.

“Our aim is to try and win every game and I think if we focus on each game as and when it comes and fully commit to that game and try and get the two points week in and week out, I’d like to think we’d be there or thereabouts.”

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