Was my first thought too but apparently Smith wanted him as an assistant at Rovers.

Reading that I'm guessing the club have already spoken to him and will appoint him in the next couple of days.



I like the way he referenced his brother's connection and the size of the club, and how he will change the culture of the team (if needed) very diplomatic! That's the first question Pearson would have asked him and so he should.



He's up for the challenge. Appoint him.



As MW said he must have bollox the size of King Kong to want the job. Hope Pearson has done his homework and taken a look.

Think we'll announce him in the next 24/48 hours. The end of the week at the very latest

Certainly saying all the right things.

Good news Hodgson has gone, massive decision for Pearson and one he needs to get right.



From the outside it has looked to me that Hull have gone cheap or old boys club with coach appointments far too often. It's the most important job at the club and I really hope Hull get it right as a massive rugby club is going to waste and the sport can't afford that.

Smith/Thorman/Davidson!!

You don't like winning trophies then? Wane is a serial winner and believe it or not, a good guy. Yes the style of rugby is questionable but look at his medals. I would rather him stay at Wigan but would be interested to see how he went somewhere like Hull which is a sleeping giant in need of a huge overhaul. .

Not sure that Smith and Thorman have worked together since about 2003? Thorman maybe heading to Newcastle.

Newcastle would be my guess. He's a geordie and they need a coach

Newcastle cutting budgets aren’t they?



Like what TS says about his brother, The Boulevard, and a bit of history and legacy there. Must be inviting knowing if you get it right, you’re in charge of a club with massive potential support and interest.



Been crying out for someone to take the club by the scruff of the neck for years, and be confident in their ability to do it.

Newcastle are going part time, can't imagine it's a good salary there. Surely assistant here would pay more.

Think Gene is the assistant.

Not sure about appointing Gene, but you must admit it would be hilarious, just to see the Bin Dippers response!

Is Gene any good? I've always felt he's just there because he's a club legend. What's he done as a coach?

Smith will want people in he can trust.



Rovers had a reshuffle too when Peters got announced. McGuire and Deleney are their assistants. Gene is working with the academy.

Smith’s time as head coach at Rovers, I find really hard to judge. For the men in charge before him, bearing in mind the situation they walked into, I can quite easily give them a score out 10 to reflect how I view their performance.



Sandercock - 5… and a quarter

Chester - 5

Peacock - 2… largely for appointing…

Sheens - 8



For Smith though it is anywhere from 4 to 7 depending which way I turn it and how the light catches it. There’s certainly some things he said and did at Rovers that I hope he carries into the role at Hull, if he is offered it, and I’ll resent it a bit if he doesn’t. On the other hand, through a combination of circumstance and judgement he did (eventually) improve us and lay some foundations. It is so nice when we concede one try to have some hope that we won’t quickly concede another. He did fix some of the mental issues that had plagued us.

It might not be exactly the same TS that was at the Dobbins. Every club has a different dynamic and different approaches are needed.



At least he’s experienced enough to be able to handle it.



People also say he might clash with AP, but I reckon AP will be pleased to have someone in charge who can handle the personalities and problems.

There you go - 6th sense from the Tarquin barometer



However even Capt Sensible could see BH needed to leave just before halfway through this season at the very latest.

It's a NO for Tony Smith from me- Des Hasler may well be available. Shane Flanagan isn't coaching.

More chance of Hodgson getting his job back then Jez Litten becomming top class. I dont think Dwyer will stay beyond his contract at the club, hes just a stop gap.

We had to do something and I am very skeptical with regards to Smith. Hes always good at starting a project but very rarely sees it through. I remember when he played Senior injured in the 2005 final and wouldnt admit he was wrong to do so.



I think the success he had at KR is always blown out of proportion, he did ok but spent alot of time near the bottom. I think alot of people think his appointment will change our placing in the table immediatley and I am not so sure it will. I certainley wouldnt have us down as certs for the play off with him in charge next season. Hes never really had an immediate impact anywhere, it will take him two seasons at least IMO which is why I dont think its viable as a short term option. You cant brimg a head coach in to sing somebody elses tune.



I dont know why but cant help but think his appointment will blow up in our face.

Thats exactly as i see it, - fans always seem to overhype our `young guns.'

The only ones i've been impressed with are Balmforth & Litten (although tbf i haven't seen enough of some of the others)

Over the last 3 or 4 years, S.L players we've produced are 3 small forwards (Brown Fash & Lane), Scott, Wynne, & Jez Litten, - hardly inspiring!

Is there a Murphy, Pryce or Wellsby coming through? - Doubt it.

Shenton seems to be doing a great job but I suspect the Academy is a well coached, well drilled unit,with plenty of good players, but no real stars.

& you're dead right about about Longstaff, needs to be signed if possible.

Take your black and white specs off for a moment. I know it’s difficult to acknowledge that a player you let go might be a success. More independent observers obviously see things in him you apparently don’t. That is of course supposing you actually see enough of him to form a reasoned opinion.



It saddens me to see that the mighty Hull FC are reduced to signing players as a stop gap. I remember when they had a plan for the future and signed players who were expected to help move that plan forward. How the mighty seem to have fallen if your assessment of Dwyer is correct.

They is no black and white specs here, I call it as I see it and have no interest in if he played for us or not. He may be a good player at some point in his career but to even think he can reach the heights of Hodgson is beyond rose tinted.



We never let him go either he decided to leave which again bears no reflection on ourselves. Id also love to go to this fantasy time where we signed players for the future we sign past it players all the time.



I mean the only person being bitter here is yourself who seems to be taking a shine to a topic about our now ex coach and potential new one.