Adam Pearson has outlined the club’s plans for moving forward following the departure of James Clark.
Following James Clark’s departure from Hull FC after a 15-year association with the club, chairman Adam Pearson will step up to fill the void. The club plans to appoint a new “non-executive chairman” in due course. Clark cited family reasons as the primary factor in his decision to leave.
Pearson will assume a more hands-on role, alongside director of rugby Richie Myler, to ensure the club continues to operate smoothly. Myler, who is reportedly connected to new investment at the club, is currently engaged in the search for a new head coach following the departure of Tony Smith last month.
The club chairman expressed heartfelt gratitude to Clark, acknowledging his invaluable contributions, especially during the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Pearson emphasized that Clark’s dedication was instrumental in navigating the club through difficult times and that his absence would be deeply felt.
Pearson remarked, “Five months ago, I began the search for new shareholders and directors to help us share the burden and responsibility of a large sports franchise in a landscape where central broadcast distributions are over a million pounds less than they were in 2016. With that in mind and after what has been an exhausting few years, James has made the credible decision that, prior to any restructure, is the right time for a change in his sporting career and in terms of his family life. His commitment to the club has been such that he has barely seen his very young children over the last few years, and after reflecting on some recent family events, he feels that needs to become his priority for the time being, which we fully support.”
“On behalf of everyone at Hull FC, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to James for his incredible contributions over the past decade. His dedication has been instrumental in our journey to success at Wembley and achieving a Super League ‘A Grade’ rating off the field. Under his leadership, our academy and training facility have flourished, setting a standard envied by many in Super League.
“Moving forward, I will take on the combined roles of chairman and chief executive in the interim. Additionally, I will commence a search to appoint a non-executive chairman to support me in ensuring the continued professional operation of the club. It is essential to maintain the separation of these roles in the long term.
“Richie Myler and I will work closely together on a daily basis to steer the club towards the glory days we have experienced in recent years, for which James played a pivotal leadership role. We extend our best wishes to James and his family for the future, and I wish him every success in his endeavors.”
Pearson continued, “James has accomplished remarkable feats during his time at Hull FC and his absence will be keenly felt by everyone associated with the club, myself included. In his first three years as Chief Executive, we clinched back-to-back Challenge Cup finals victories with a squad assembled by James, Lee Radford, and Motu Tony—a squad that left an indelible mark. Under Andy Last’s guidance, we maintained our playoff qualification streak until the end of the 2020 season, and the initial five years of James’ tenure showcased impressive progress both on and off the field.
“The unforeseen challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic presented a new set of obstacles, which James fearlessly confronted and successfully navigated, guiding the club through uncharted territory. In fact, I firmly believe that the club would not have weathered that period without his invaluable input and steadfast leadership.”
“The combination of the Super League’s highest stadium and facility costs, exacerbated by the inability to welcome supporters during the pandemic, would have posed an insurmountable challenge for most clubs and chief executives. However, James embraced this challenge wholeheartedly. Since the onset of the pandemic, ensuring the club’s financial stability and solvency has been a significant priority, and we have all worked tirelessly to achieve this. With James’ dedication and guidance, alongside the expertise of our Head of Finance, Nigel Hansford, we believe we have successfully attained this objective.”
“Despite the recent £1 million losses for 2023, we remain on track to break even in 2024, despite the disappointing on-field performances. This achievement is a testament to the extensive work conducted behind the scenes. Anticipated to be our highest turnover figures in several years, this year’s financial results are only surpassed by our cup-winning campaign in 2017. This success reflects James’ relentless efforts to safeguard the club’s future and foster its growth, supported by his dedicated team of staff.”