Headline: Hull Football Clubs Prepare for New Seasons with Fresh Management
Hull experiences significant changes as both its football clubs gear up for the new season. The city’s football scene welcomes back British adventurer Karl Bushby, who recently completed a 28-year expedition around the world. In addition, both rugby league clubs are set to embark on new eras under fresh leadership.
Steve McNamara has returned to Hull FC three decades after his departure as a player. McNamara steps in following a challenging 2026 season for the Black and Whites, which saw the exit of previous coach John Cartwright. Meanwhile, Hull KR looks to Nathan Cayless as the successor to Super League-winner Willie Peters, aiming to rejuvenate the team’s title aspirations.
The question now arises: who faces a tougher challenge in Hull for the 2027 season?
Now Just Feels the Right Time – McNamara
Hull FC confirmed McNamara’s appointment in April while he was still serving as an assistant coach at Warrington. The 55-year-old acknowledges the scale of the task ahead after the Black and Whites finished an underwhelming 11th last season, missing the play-offs for the sixth consecutive year.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Hull FC has confirmed the recruitment of 10 new players, including Bailey Hodgson from Leigh, Arlix Da Costa from Catalans, and the experienced Daly Cherry-Evans.
Despite a lengthy absence since his move to Bradford Bulls in 1996, McNamara remains connected to the club through family ties; his son, Ben, played for Hull FC from 2020 to 2023.
“I’m really proud and honoured,” McNamara expressed to BBC Radio Humberside. “The history that it’s got, and the great coaches that it’s had; it’s my time now to take over the baton.”
He noted the significant gap between Hull and competing teams, emphasizing the potential he perceives within this team. The side managed only eight wins last season, their second-lowest total this century.
‘A Juggernaut of a Club’
McNamara can focus on implementing his vision for Hull FC, building on his expansive coaching experience, which includes stints in New Zealand and Australia. He has already made improvements to the club’s fitness regime and brought in Nathan Mills from St Helens as the new medical high-performance specialist.
Reflecting on his time as an assistant, McNamara expressed that the investments in strength and conditioning hadn’t met expectations, adding that “the one consistent thing it has had over recent years is the amount of supporters that go, home and away.”
He aims to foster an environment that encourages continual improvement, indicating that the board has committed to allowing him the time needed to make pivotal changes.
I’ve Been Getting Itchy Feet – Cayless
Meanwhile, Nathan Cayless embarks on his first head coaching role with Hull KR. His approach centers on refining the squad following a year that witnessed the Robins clinching a historic treble in 2025.
Although McNamara is deeply rooted in Hull FC, Cayless brings an Australian perspective, having spent 13 years with the Parramatta Eels before transitioning to coaching. He has expressed eagerness to integrate into the community, drawing parallels with his experiences in Australia.
“I’ve really been getting itchy feet,” Cayless said, describing his excitement at joining Hull KR. He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he and his family received and recognized the close bond between the club and its community.
Cayless faces the challenge of unlocking the full potential of pivotal players like half-back Mikey Lewis, who struggled at times last season. Balancing the need for innovation while maintaining effective elements of the previous coaching staff will be essential for success.
As both Hull FC and Hull KR head into their preseason preparations, they each aim for improvement and unity as they strive to meet the expectations of their respective fan bases in the coming season.
