Tony Smith leaves Hull FC after wretched start to Super League season

The Black and Whites are 11th in Super League and were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Huddersfield Giants following a 50-6 drubbing.

Hull have conceded 302 points in eight games after finishing 10th in Smith's first season at the helm.

Smith took over at the MKM Stadium following his sacking by Hull KR but failed to improve the club's fortunes.

Assistant coach Simon Grix and head of emerging talent Francis Cummins will take charge of the first team on an interim basis.

Stanley Gene has also departed his role as an assistant.

Hull chairman Adam Pearson said in a statement released to The Yorkshire Post: “On behalf of everyone associated with Hull FC, I would like to thank Tony and Stan for their contribution to the club during their time with the first team.

“They have worked tirelessly and it is disappointing to have had to come to this decision, but it is one I feel is right at this time. I wish them both well for the future.

“There will be further restructuring of the club in the coming days and we will update further in due course.”

Smith held the title of Super League’s most experienced head coach after enjoying success with Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves, winning two Grand Finals and three Challenge Cups.

The 57-year-old has also coached Huddersfield, as well as Great Britain and England at international level.

“I want to wish the club and all of the players well for the future,” said Smith.

“It is disappointing not to see the job through which was always going to be a challenging project and I was relishing the opportunity to see it through.

“I wish everyone at the club the best for the future.”

Smith replaced Brett Hodgson at the end of 2022 but was unable to halt Hull’s slide down the Super League table.

The Black and Whites have drifted out of play-off contention since their last appearance in 2020, with consecutive finishes of eighth, ninth and 10th.

Hull are on course for another lowly finish after seven rounds but have activated a plan that will see a significant amount of change before the next home match against Leeds on April 28.

Smith’s departure will be followed by several incomings and outgoings as part of a shake-up of a beleaguered squad.

Tex Hoy is among the players on their way out of the MKM Stadium after failing to make a positive impact since his arrival at the end of 2022.

Hull have targeted at least two overseas signings and are in the market for domestic recruits, including a specialist scrum-half and a back-rower.

The Black and Whites came into the season with a hooker as their number seven in Nu Brown and continue to suffer in the absence of stand-off Jake Trueman, who suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in the closing stages of last season.

Hull have been beset by injury issues in the early months of the 2024 campaign and are the most ill-disciplined side in the competition after receiving 10 suspensions.

The club’s selection issues are unlikely to ease in time for next week's trip to St Helens but they are set to have a new look for the visit of Leeds at the end of April, including the return of several players from injury and suspension.

As well as making significant changes to the first team and their off-field operation, Hull are holding discussions with a number of potential investors as part of Pearson’s plan to revive the 2016 and 2017 Challenge Cup winners.