Define spent BIG.

Hull FC have halved their academy set up.
They spend to the full cap I suspect much the same as many other clubs.
They SOLD two players reaping close to a quarter of a million pounds. Yet the club that handed that cash over is not considered big spenders.

They have backroom team that I'm lead to believe was one of the smallest in SL. I could be wrong on that, but knowing their set up I doubt I am.

So I am intrigued to know what spending BIG is.

Their level I would say is a top 4 team challenging on all fronts. Certainly the fan base warrants that. So I guess you are right that they have reached THEIR level. From THERE it's a push for glory (which they came up just short of) or back down to the level of our neighbours and the majority of the European rugby league teams

listening to adam pearson on local radio last night, the club dont want this season to be a one season wonder, he and the coaching staff will push on and with a couple more signings to come we will stronger for next season and more

Yes I was being pedantic over your use of the word THE in capital letters as if it is clear that Hull have been the most improved side in the competition. Maybe they have, but not to that extent.

Bitter, Sour Grapes, Jealousy? Yes, I've been feeling bitter and jealous all week!

Watching the jittery coverage of the awards on Monday, I seem to recall that FC won club of the year on the basis of on field AND off field issues. So we can argue the toss for ever about whether they were most improved in 2016, but that was only one part of it. I would imagine the judges of that award looked at all SL clubs in the same way before making the decision too.

Exactly, hence Widnes winning it in 2014 despite their fans invading the pitch and causing merry hell in the semi final against Castleford. It's not just about what happens in the public eye, ie results and fan behaviour. A hell of a lot goes on behind the scenes in all clubs that no one knows about, which is what the Club of the Year award is all about.