Hull part company with Radford

Hull FC have confirmed that head coach Lee Radford has parted company with the club.

Radford, who has been head coach of the Black & Whites since 2014, leaves the club with immediate effect following tonight’s fixture against Warrington Wolves at the KCOM Stadium.

Radford, a former player with the Black & Whites made over 180 playing appearances for the club, led the club to back-to-back Challenge Cup Final victories in 2016 and 2017 at Wembley Stadium, two of the most historic moments in the club’s 155 year history.

Awarded the Super League Coach of the Year Award in 2016, Radford took charge of over 200 games for the club as head coach, and remains as FC’s longest serving coach since Arthur Bunting in the 1970/80s.

The club would like to place on record their gratitude for Lee’s hard work, passion and loyalty for the club over the last seven years as head coach, and for over two decades of service to the club.

Hull FC Chairman Adam Pearson met with Lee immediately after full-time this evening, before issuing the following tribute to Lee.

“I met with Lee immediately after full-time and we have decided to call it a day. It is a decision that we didn’t take lightly and one that didn’t rest easily with me as we all have the utmost respect for him.

“As a player and a coach, Lee has undertaken his role at the club with an incredible amount of passion, loyalty and integrity. He has been the epitome of ‘Hull&Proud’.

“We have always recognised the hard work Lee has put into this club and his contribution allowed us to record back-to-back wins at Wembley for the first time.

“The image of Lee lifting the trophy at Wembley will be an iconic moment in the club’s history and he will carry that honour as his legacy.

“However, in recent weeks we have been unable to produce the level of performances our supporters expect and demand, which is something Lee was honest enough to recognise himself. He has always had the team and his club at heart.

“We have a responsibility to make the right decision for the club and our supporters and it feels like the right time to make a change.

“I’m sure we speak on behalf of all of our supporters and everyone at the club in thanking Lee for his efforts and wish him and his family all the best in the future.??

Andy Last & Kieron Purtill will take charge of the first-team squad an interim basis.