Why have an official press conference then, if the media then cannot report what was said?

A clean slate for everyone. His role is officially head coach but seems he will have full control of all rugby matters at the club.

It may well be as a mark of respect due to the timing of the King leading Royal procession.

"I'm really excited. I wasn't expecting this position to come up so soon. I've been out for a little while and I really wanted to get back in. I've got my love for coaching back and to get this opportunity I'm very very grateful for. I've lived in this city for a few years now and I know what a big club is Hull FC is. You don't quite know how big it is until you live here. This is a rugby league city. It lives and breathes it. To be head coach of FC is a real honour for me."

Willie Poching has left Wakefield
The club have said he won't be joining Hull FC in any way.

Smith on brother Brian
"There is a bit of nostalgia there for me. I spoke to my eldest brother Brian who has had, and still has, a tremendous influence on my career about coming and joining a former club of his. He said I've finally come to the right one."

It's the full package for Tony
"I get my desire and my success by trying to encourage groups of people, not only the playing staff but the whole organisation. I care about the whole organsiation. I care about being involved in a good business and a good sporting club - one to be proud of."

Fair to say he'll put his heart and soul into everything at Hull FC

Tony on his first day
"The hard work starts today. This is my official first day. I've had a couple of meetings with Adam (Pearson) and James (Clark) and I'm really excited about what we can do toegther at this club, together with the fans and the playing staff. I'm encouraged about what I've seen so far."

Playing squad
Tony and Adam were asked by Hull Live about playing changes, and said there could be some movement, but they both said it's a clean slate for everyone - from the most senior player to the youngest. Everyone has a chance. There will be some announcements to come in terms of backroom staff, but they gave nothing away today.

Adam Pearson statement
"I'm delighted to welcome Tony to the club. It is a massively important appointment for the club. You can see what has happened to the playing side over the last two years. The performances on the pitch haven't been good enough. The league status has not been good enough, the discipline has not been good enough and the injury rehabilitation has not been good enough. I felt at the end of the season and after what happened against Hull KR that we had to take the action that I took."

Thats disappointing for me if its one in one out and a clean slate for everyone.
I dont think even Tony Smith can get us into the top six with this squad if we dont find a couple of big mobile forwards.
Must be more difficult than we think to offload Taylor and Griffin because getting these two off the books would have been crucial to the clubs recruitment plans.

Smith on his current squad and potential recruitment
"In terms of playing staff I don't mind. I don't think there will be a whole lot of change. I'm fine with that. There's not much scope for us this year but again I'm happy with that. My job is to get the best out of the squad that I've got and get them to be better players."

Smith on his brand of rugby at Hull FC
"There's a certain kind of rugby league that I enjoy and am proud to coach. I want people to enjoy coming to watch the teams that I coach. I love it when people say that. There are some teams that make it fun and we need to do that.

Backroom staff
It's fair to say Gareth Ellis will definitely be one of Tony Smith's assistants. Smith coached Ellis at Leeds and can't wait to link up with him again. Michael Shenton was also highly spoken of.

Tony Smith on his playing squad
"There's some experience and talent there, some outstanding talent in fact and some young talent there. I'm excited about all of that. I'm not going to make too many judgements about them. I'm going to get to know them and give them all a chance to prove themselves. If some of these young guys are ready I'm going to give them a chance. That will keep the senior players on their toes. There's going to be plenty of competition for places."