Paul Lakin on his way back to steer Hull KR through ‘choppy waters’

Paul Lakin, who was the Robins CEO before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2008 and who most recently worked as Stoke City’s chief commercial officer, will return to the East Yorkshire club to replace Mike Smith on November 1.

Smith, who had planned to stand down in May before Covid altered the situation, will instead head up the club’s Community Trust.

Owner Hudgell, who has been in charge of Rovers since 2004, announced in August that he would stand down as chairman at the end of November with a view to relinquishing control of the club if new investment could be found.

Explaining the latest developments, Hudgell said: “I will be stepping back from the day-to-day leadership of the club, yet want us to grow stronger than we’ve ever been, so it’s with this in mind I’m delighted to announce Paul Lakin will be our new chief executive.

“Paul will take full control of the club both on and off the field; he’s someone who I’ve great trust in and I’m excited by his return.

“Since his departure in 2008 he has worked in football across the Premier League and Championship and will bring a wealth of knowledge and business acumen to the club.

“He has great knowledge of our city, club, fanbase and the wider sport in general – all of which will prove invaluable as he leads the club forward into 2021, a year widely recognised across our sport to have choppy waters ahead.”

Rovers are bottom with just one win in their last dozen Super League games ahead of Tuesday’s fixture against Salford Red Devils.

Understandably, supporters had also been concerned about the long-term future of their club given the vast amount of investment Hudgell has made during his 16 years involved.

However, in a statement to fans, Hudgell – who described Smith as “a rock for me over the last 10 years” – added: “When I made my announcement in late August I fully envisaged the process would take time.

“Therefore I’m relaxed in the knowledge that the necessary research work has now been undertaken and we will proceed to the next stage, of what may well be a 12-month process.

“I owe it to you our magnificent supporters and for the long term viability of this great club to ensure any interested parties are absolutely the right people to take the club forward.

“I do want to be very clear, though, I won’t simply walk away and undo so much good work happening behind the scenes.

“From youth development where we are seeing green shoots, to our community programmes which serve the people of East Hull and beyond so well.

“On the field, we are starting to play an attacking style of rugby we can be proud of and in head coach Tony Smith we have a coach who will progress the squad with time and patience to where we all aspire to be.

“Plans for 2021 and beyond, across the club, will continue to progress giving supporters clarity and comfort about the future.

“It’s important to me that we repay the faith you have in us by being clear on the future direction and ambitions of the club before we announce plans for 2021 memberships.

“Your support throughout 2020 has been nothing short of sensational, 97 per cent of our members are backing us no matter what. You continue to inspire me.”

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Thank you

James Mitchinson