Today is without doubt a big relief for many of us particularly us season ticket holders of over 60 years who have wintered and summers so many ownership changes ups and downs near catastrophes and periods of uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the club we love. Some of us old timers now probably feel that at least we will have a club to support day in day out for the rest of our days.
I say that with some certainty because although I have only spoken to Adam a few times in the last couple of years he has always emphasised one thing: that he had to ensure that Hull FC continues in perpetuity long after he is gone and that he was only seeking potential owners who could guarantee that. But that is the mark of the man for not only did he bring some of us the best moment of our lives but he has been a pretty good guardian of our heritage particularly for someone who is not a mega millionaire or a rugby man by his previous life.
We tend to say oh well we move on and dream of big transfer fees being paid and days of milk and honey returning . But this is a very very big milestone in our history just as was Adam rescuing us from the Hetherington dynasty and indeed them saving our bacon after the Lloyd years. Not only that but after several awful years for the fans of the club Adam has still overseen and nurtured a fanbase that has stayed loyal through the toughest of times and that still numbers more than many clubs can dream of. We grumbled about what he did at times but when the full financial story of the last few years comes out and it is balanced with his wealth (against potentially the half a billion coming in) folks will realise just how difficult it has been for our now past owner both financially and health wise. It’s not for me to go into details but sufficient to say things were close to being a lot worse.
The Numpties from across the river brag about their fan base but when they do I suggest you reply as I do with the simple phrase “and how many season tickets do you think we would have sold after a season as good as yours was” .
The new owners have been courted and then heavily vetted by Adam and must realise not only do they inherit the most revered strip and the most famous anthem in the game and indeed one of the most acclaimed clubs in the sport (who incidentally play in the best stadium in the British game) but also the most loyal and potentially biggest fanbase and RL community in the British game. This is an historic moment which should weigh heavily on the shoulders of our two new owners. But I’m heartened by their financial backing, their business pedigree and as far as our new chairman’s tenure in the game is concerned his love of the sport. Adam assures us all they have behaved impeccably throughout the negotiations and they are the men for the club.
So good luck Adam thanks for everything and for looking after my club and welcome to our new owners we’re all 100 percent behind you.
I will await with great interest their first statement on taking over but as Indiana jones once said for all of us black and whites now …….the adventure continues….. but for me and many other old timers it’s a big day indeed.
