Former England and England head coach, Tony Smith, most recently led Hull FC’s cross-city rivals Hull Kingston Rovers; He also has successful spells overseeing Betfred Super League, Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves teams.
Last updated: 09/09/22 6:05 pm
Tony Smith has been appointed as the new head coach of Hull FC
Tony Smith is passing Hull’s rugby league division after being named the new head coach of Hull FC.
The 55-year-old was most recently in charge of Black and White cross-city rivals Hull Kingston Rovers, leaving them in July after three years at the helm – having previously announced that he would be stepping down. at Robins at the end. of the 2022 Betfred Super League season.
But he will now swap the city’s east side for the west after being announced as Hull FC’s new boss following the departure of Brett Hodgson on Monday, with the Australian leaving after a disappointing year. hope to make them 9th on the chart .
“It was a great opportunity – one that I didn’t expect too soon, but I am very grateful and excited to start,” said Smith, whose brother Brian also played for Hull FC from 1988 to 1990. , speak.
“I understand the challenges ahead, but the overwhelming feeling for me right now is the excitement of restoring some pride in the club and taking us to greater heights.
“I was previously linked to the club through my family, and having lived in the city for a while, I understand very well the size of the club and the passion for the club. club for success.
“I look forward to playing a part in the club’s great history and hopefully we can create some more great memories for the future. I can’t wait to get started.”
Brett Hodgson left his role as head coach of Hull FC on Monday
Smith’s time in charge of Hull KR saw him guide the club to within 80 minutes of the 2021 Super League Final, after having fought with them to avoid relegation two years earlier. This season has seen him pass the 500-game Super League milestone as head coach.
After a brief stint playing for Workington Town during the inaugural Super League season in 1996, Smith began coaching against the Huddersfield Giants in 2001 and moved to Leeds Rhinos three years later.
His time at Headingley saw him lead the Rhinos to victories in the 2004 and 2007 Finals as well as victories over the Canterbury Bulldogs in the 2005 Club World Cup, before making his way on the international stage. by leading British and then British teams.
Smith also spent time in charge of Warrington Wolves from 2009 to 2017, winning the Challenge Cup three times and guiding the Wolves to three Finals appearances and two League Leaders’ Shield wins.
Tony Smith spent three years in charge at Hull KR
He will begin his role with Hull FC on Monday before pre-season training begins in November and further additions to his coaching staff will be confirmed in due time.
“We are delighted to welcome Tony to the club, a capable and experienced coach with proven success in the Super League,” said Hull FC president Adam Pearson.
“We’ve identified areas where we feel we need improvement in the first-team environment and we believe Tony is a great fit for that challenge.
“We are confident that he will commend the hard-working and passionate people already at our club who are determined to bring Hull FC back to the position we believe it should be, and meets the standards expected by our advocates and stakeholders.
“Tony is very excited about the opportunity and long-term vision we have for the club, we look forward to working with him.”
