Hull FC have confirmed they have been taken over by former Leeds Rhinos chairman Andrew Thirkhill and businessman David Hood.
The Black and Whites have had a terrible 2024 in the Super League, winning just three of their 27 matches and finishing second last, just ahead of relegated London Broncos on points difference.
They have also lost their Grade A status.
The club will be hoping for brighter times under Hood and Thirkhill, who was at Leeds from 2018 until October this year and whose daughter is the partner of Hull FC director of rugby Richie Myler.
Thirkhill will replace Adam Pearson as the club’s new chairman, with Hood also joining the board.
“It gives me great pleasure to confirm that I am today handing over the stewardship of this great club to such responsible and worthy individuals as Andrew Thirkhill and David Hood OBE,” Pearson said.
“I feel incredibly fortunate that they have agreed to take on responsibility for the future safety and prosperity of the club.
“Both have been ideal buyers, for example, during a respectful and confidential handover process, which I am pleased to announce is now complete.”
Pearson, who has owned Hull FC since 2013, revealed that Hood and Thirkhill will take no money from the club for three years, including no wages, management fees, loan repayments and interest.
“It must be acknowledged that the new shareholders have not only committed to injecting significant sums into the club, but have also agreed not to take any money from the club for at least three years,” he continued.
“Therefore, with immediate effect, I am pleased to say that all revenue that comes into our club will now directly benefit the club, allowing for further investment in our playing field. The club is in a very fortunate position as we strive rebuild.
“I would like to sincerely thank our board members, off-field staff, corporate partners and our supporters for their incredible support of me and this great club over the last 13 years, and I wish the whole club and its staff well. every success moving forward.”
Sky Sports This season will again show all Super League games live, including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining four matches shown each week in 2018. Sky Sports+
