Last: I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about FC coaching role
Andy Last admits he has allowed himself the thought of what a successful play-off campaign would do for his Hull FC head coach credentials. However, with tonight’s elimination clash with Warrington Wolves approaching rapidly, Last knows there is a job that must be done first before he considers the future.
The Black and Whites travel to the Halliwell Jones Stadium knowing a win over the Wolves would leave the club just one result away from an unlikely Grand Final on home soil at the KCOM Stadium.
Last, though, isn’t naive enough to get ahead of himself at this crucial period of the season.
“I’d be lying if I said I haven’t,” he said, when asked if he had considered the impact of winning the next two or three games. “I’ve thought about it.
“But you can’t take your eye off this 80 minutes.
“We’re just focusing all our attention on making sure we get our preparation right, making sure the message the players get is the right one and making sure our preview is on point and trying to fine-tune those individuals to give their absolute best for 80 minutes. If we play to our potential and individually everyone turns up and does their job to the best of their ability then we’re capable of beating any team in the competition.
“The challenge is doing it in the high pressure games which is coming tonight.”
Whatever happens, though, whether Hull win or lose, Last’s stock as a coach has undoubtedly gone up after guiding the club through difficult times, finding consistency and helping a previously stuttering FC into the top six.
As such, the 39-year-old believes taking the reins at the KCOM has done his future prospects no harm at all.
“I’m constantly learning and I feel as though my development has continued and I’m learning all the time and I don’t feel as though I’m the finished article but it’s just the case of getting the opportunity,” he added.
“I do feel like the team has improved over my time.
“I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve been doing and I’m hoping that I can continue to work well and get improvements from the team and go as far as we can in this competition then if Hull FC come calling I’d bite their hand off, it’s my club and the team I want to coach.”