Tony Smith insists that it wasn’t the ‘right decision’ for Hull FC to sack him earlier this year. The former Black and Whites head coach departed back in April, with Smith believing the change of direction at the top of the club influenced the call.
Shortly after Smith’s departure, Hull Live exclusively reported imminent changes to Hull, with a new Director of Rugby coming in the form of Richie Myler. External investment to the club is also in the works, although, and as club chairman Adam Pearson confirmed, it will take around several months to finalise.
However, speaking as a guest on Sky Sports’ coverage of Hull’s win over Leeds this Saturday, Smith maintained that he could have turned the club around given ‘time’ and the ‘right resources.’
“This project is huge,” Smith remarked. “Time was not on our side. I don’t think we would be in their current predicament if we had more time, the appropriate tools, and support. That’s a viewpoint. I can’t substantiate that; it happened, and I accept it. I am really relaxed. I’m fine with there being a change in course and my absence.
But at the time, I don’t think it was a wise or appropriate move. Change the coach at the end of the season, by all means, but wait until the coach has completed the season before making your move.”
Asked if he was referring to Myler’s arrival and incoming investment, Smith added: “Yeah, absolutely. I would think so. I don’t know all the facts, the ins and outs, but I would imagine so
“But even that direction changed. Rich was a player I coached and had some time for many years ago, however I’m not sure that we would have been the right sort of partnership to get these guys to where they need to be, and this club to where it needs to be.”
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