Two Yorkshire businessman are set to become the new owners of rugby league club Hull FC in a deal that is said to bring funding for new management and players.
Andrew Thirkill, chairman of Leeds-based financial services firm Age Partnership and Pure Retirement, and David Hood, the founder of TV tech firm Pace plc and chairman of private aviation company Multiflight at Leeds Bradford Airport, have entered into an exclusivity period to take 100% control of the club.
Speaking at Hull FC fans forum recently, Mr Thirkill, former chairman of Leeds Rhinos said he had been approached by the club's chairman, Adam Pearson about six months ago. He said: "I looked at Hull and thought, we can make something of this."
The move means Mr Thirkill will become the club's new chairman, while Mr Pearson will provide consultancy.
In a statement, Mr Pearson said: "The new owners have committed to provide sufficient funding to allow the club to regain its Grade A status, and provide the club with a new management structure and team to improve its ranking in that grade. I will be delighted to hand over the reins to Andrew as the club’s new chairman – his love for the sport of rugby league and passion for success provides a perfect combination for the club to thrive once more under his leadership and guidance; emphasised by his long-standing position as club president of Leeds Rhinos, along with an outstanding business career over many years.
“After 13 years of ownership, it has been critically important to me to transfer the club into the right hands, and this event certainly ticks all those boxes. I will continue to assist the new board in business matters in relation to the club in a consultancy capacity. Director of Rugby Richie Myler will continue to control all playing matters, and our coaching and performance departments.
"This change of ownership heralds a bright future for Hull FC. We need all of our supporters to rally together to restore unity and pride in our famous club. The club will again have a powerful board to enable the team to compete at the right end of Betfred Super League."
