Smith thanks Hull’s management team
TONY Smith has paid tribute to those at the top of the Hull FC tree for their support over the last three months.
The Black and Whites have had a tough start with seven consecutive losses, but they’ve taken a couple of steps forward with three wins.
In no small part, Smith pointed out the influence of the club’s owner, Adam Pearson, and chief executive, James Clark, who, like the head coach, have been united in creating a strong bond throughout the whole club - a feeling of togetherness and a siege mentality, if you like.
Sticking together - that’s been the message, and it’s been installed right from the top down and is now bearing its reward.
“I have to mention the owner and chief executive,” Smith told the Mail after Hull’s win at Wakefield. “The support given by them to everybody - they’ve been behind the scenes trying to support and help everybody to stay together when it’s been tough, to unite, and to work through it and stay calm.
“They’ve been terrific. I didn’t mention them last week, but I’m going to this week as I think it’s really important. If the people at the top are all united, it gives you a chance. If they’re not, that’s when it becomes tough work for everybody. Good on them.
“They cop all the bad stuff. I don’t think that’s right. They’ve been really supportive of the team, the players, and the coaches. I’m not one to suck up to people; that’s just how it is, and I believe that if you’re all united, then you stand a chance.
“I keep saying it about all of us - the club, the supporters, the whole lot. The only way you get out of these situations that you don’t necessarily want to be in is by uniting, working together, and pulling in the same direction.”
Smith has seen the belief in his side go up a notch. That’s not to say it hasn’t always been there, but the increase in spirit and attitude has been noticeable over the last month or so.
However, the head coach insists his side still has a long way to go.
Smith continued: “You’re always happy sitting in the changing room when you can look over at each other and go, ‘Hey, we put a stint in for each other and we won.’ It’s much more enjoyable, that’s for sure. I’m pleased for the players, and I’m pleased for the fans. Once again, we’re still in debt. We’ve still got a lot of repaying to do for some of those earlier results we got. We’ve still got more to convince and a lot more to build on.”