Lee Radford has spoken of his pride at being appointed Hull FC's new head coach after the club confirmed his position at a press conference today (Wednesday). He has signed a three-year deal.
As revealed last week by the Mail, Radford takes over from Peter Gentle as part of sweeping changes at Hull, with former Academy head Andy Last appointed as his assistant and ex-player Motu Tony confirmed in his role as first-team football manager. Shaun Rush completes the new-look team as conditioner.
At the age of 34, Radford - who made over 200 appearances for the Black and Whites - is one of the youngest coaches to take charge at a Super League club. He becomes the third coach of owner Adam Pearson's reign at Hull.
Radford said: "It's a massive honour and a massive responsibility. It's obviously a huge chapter of my life and it's not decision that has come easy to me. I'm fully aware of how massive a job it is, but I'm looking forward to it."
"There will be no excuses about this not being my team. Everybody knows expectations of this club and I'm fully aware of them."
Pearson said: "We've looked at it and we feel it is right to put Hull people in charge. We've got some great young players and we feel we need homegrown coaches to bring that talent through.
"I need a leader who people naturally look up to and can instill a little bit of discipline, a little bit of fear, and can get some consistency into our play. I want someone to make sure the team plays every week and not just when it wants to. I think Lee has those qualities."
The Hull owner said he did not regret targeting the Super League top four. "I want to be challenging for cups and grand finals and there is nothing wrong with having that ambition, but we need to give Lee resources," he said. "We have lacked an attacking identity all season and that is one of the major things we want to put right.
"The easy and cheap decision would have been to leave Peter Gentle in charge, but we feel the time is right for a change of regime."
Tony, who will be in charge of recruitment, said: "I'm very excited to be back at Hull FC. The club has the resources and facilities to become more consistent. From a recruitment perspective I feel I can bring some advantages."
Pearson added he was talking to Paul Cooke about a dual-registration deal with Doncaster, but negotiations were still at an early stage.
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