AS first head coaching positions go, there can be few harder in Super League than taking over the hotseat at Hull FC. A club that demands success, whether that be from its ambitious owner or a passionate fan base who have seen one new dawn too many, the position has the power to make or break.
For Lee Radford, the task ahead is substantial and yet, having accepted the offer to step into the role, the homegrown star knows better than anyone the responsibility that now falls on his shoulders. Radford, 34, understands the club, the pressures and the expectation it comes with.
And after a year in which Hull have fallen foul of their own hype, he is someone who will take the task head on with a sense of realism regarding what can be achieved in the short term.
Owner Adam Pearson has no doubt cast an eye over the four remaining contenders for the Grand Final in making the appointment, as three are coached by hardened Englishmen.
In Paul Anderson at Huddersfield and Shaun Wane at Wigan, you have two coaches recently promoted from assistants who have gone on to be huge successes.
At Wigan, Wane is assisted by Iestyn Harris, Paul Deacon, Steve Hampson and Kris Radlinski.
It's easy to see the similarities in Pearson's approach with Radford at the helm, Andy Last as his assistant, and Paul Cooke offering arms-length support as coach of new dual-register partners Doncaster.
Whether it be the Wigan or Huddersfield model, Pearson has a new vision for Hull and, given it centres around making the most of talent in the city, he is confident Radford is the man best suited.
Coming from the same school of hard knocks as Leeds coach Brian McDermott and Anderson, as former team-mates in the same dominant Bradford Bulls pack, Radford is cut from the same cloth.
While more approachable and affable than McDermott, his good nature comes with a fearsome bite, and he will rule in a no-nonsense style.
Don't expect Radford to hold back in the wake of any disappointing performances. Beaten at London a few years ago the then Hull captain called his team-mates a bunch of amateurs in an interview, and he's never been one to hold back when he has a point to make.
It's an approach that has typified his playing style and, while he may have to be more tactful as a head coach, that same philosophy could prove to be a wake-up call for many Hull players.
Peter Gentle may have lost his position due to Pearson feeling the club wasn't progressing on the field, but a large part of that responsibility also has to fall on the shoulders of the players.
Their attitude – woeful at Huddersfield – has to be addressed, and attitude is one thing Radford brings in abundance.
The emphasis will be on discipline and while a former team-mate of the men he will now manage, they'll quickly find that stands for nothing with him on the other side of the fence.
This is Radford's big chance and there will be no favours given in a pursuit to be a success. It's understood his appointment has the backing of the squad on the whole and having that respect is key. Keeping it is even more vital.
From the moment he takes over, the man who cut his teeth in a hugely-successful career as an amateur coach at East Hull, knows he has to win over the Hull fans too.
As a player Radford divided opinion and he was never shown the sort of fondness given to other local boys such as Kirk Yeaman and Richard Horne.
There are still some who hold something against him for leaving Hull for Bradford in 1998, despite the fact that he left a club not paying his wages and in the early stages of a major crisis financially.
It was a move that was his making as a player and, Jon Wilkin aside, he has achieved more than anyone else to come out of the city in the last 10 years in terms of trophy success.
Of course, playing success has no guarantees of coaching ability and without any Super League experience, Radford knows he has to win over the Hull fans once again.
His coaching ability is recognised, however, by those in power at Hull. Having been in sole charge of Hull's defence this season, following the departure of Andy Hay, the Black and Whites owe Radford a debt for an area of their game which continually came to their rescue.
When it comes to formulating the attack, it could be argued a former back-row forward isn't best placed, but under Anderson, Huddersfield scored more points than any side this season and Leeds are always exciting to watch under McDermott.
It's the personnel around Radford that will be key to striking that balance and with the likes of Last and Cooke to talk to and call upon, he has the right men.
Outspoken, passionate and determined, Radford will also bring a sense of realism.
All the talk of top-four targets will be banned. That's not to say Radford won't have ambitious targets, but inheriting a squad that needs to make significant improvements, he will steer clear of adding any greater pressure on his shoulders.
Developing a collective unity among the playing staff will be the number one priority, while hoping that unity eventually spreads to the fans.
To be a success Hull need everyone pulling in the same direction. They've found a new leader, a character as strong as they come. Now it's time for strong words inside the dressing room and strong performances on the field.
• LIVE: Hull FC press conference with Adam Pearson and Lee Radford
