The Hull FC chairman is setting his sights high.
Hull FC celebrate their win over Wigan. (Image: SW PIX)
Andrew Thirkill was always going to set the bar high at Hull FC. Taking control of the club alongside business partner David Hood back in December 2024, he had a vision, and that vision centres on making the Black and Whites a ‘super club’.
Ultimately, the end goal is to achieve regular top four finishes and finals appearances. And in the co-owners’ view, the club, while still in the infancy of it’s rebuild, are on the right trajectory to turn that ambition into reality.
Restoring pride and grit under head coach John Cartwright last season, the motives now are to kick on and reach that next level, with Thirkill believing Hull, through eight new recruits and a thicker, more competitive squad, are in a stronger position to do just that.
“We’ve got a number of goals,” Thirkill, speaking at last week’s fans forum, said. “David and I are custodians of Hull FC for a period of time. That might be 10 years, 15 years, or 20 years. We’ve got to make it a sustainable club first; that’s the first thing. And then the second thing is I want to make the club a super club.
“I want to build a super club. I want to put us in the top four year in, year out. There’s absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t be in the top four, in the semi-finals and finals, and eventually, winning things. I want that. I want us there all of the time, and I want us to have a winning mentality.
“The players we’ve brought in have all been fabulous. Last year, we just ran out of steam because of the injuries. This year, we’re in a much stronger position in terms of depth.
“I want us to be top four, and I want everybody in Hull to love watching Hull FC. I want it to be enjoyable and I want people to come to games full of anticipation and enjoy it and win our fair share of games. We’re seriously in it to be winning things. That’s what it’s all about, and making Hull one of the top teams again.”
Outlining his passion for the Black and Whites and determination to succeed, he continued: “You look at the history of the club, and our success has been very sporadic for a club the size of Hull. Some clubs punch above their weight. We haven’t. And that’s what I want to turn around.
“When we lose, I feel it like a fan; I’m desperately disappointed. Some of our wins last year were amazing; winning away at Wigan twice was unbelievable, and we want that more.
“This season is really exciting. I don’t know what will happen. We might finish eighth, third, fourth, or top of the league – who knows? – but I’m really determined to make us what I would call a super club; that’s top four year in year out, semi-finals, and finals – it’s what we demand. Look at the support; it’s outstanding, and the history. So that’s what I want to do and make us sustainable.”
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