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."

I was thinking of writing another book taking us from 2005 up until 2023 but its likely to be a lot thinner tome than the last two because I can just quote Adam about the reign of Brett Hodgson "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"

At a time when by his own admission Adam is struggling financially at Hull FC we have made a big outlay in paying off staff and recruiting big off the field. It's all a new start under at last a proper tried and tested Head Coach who brings with him a brilliant past record of success in Super League and we should all rally round the club and the new regime. I've always liked his attitude to the game which despite being a bit flippant and almost devil may care in his public persona sees a blooming tough taskmaster on anyone who doesn't tow the line in camp. At Leeds Warrington and Huddersfield he developed a massive culture of accountability amongst the players which was almost self governing as far as anyone who stepped out of line. (not unlike the brief period we had in 2016) I'm looking forward to his next moves.

Not to exaggerate but i'm fully on board, we are winning the lot in 2023

Smith knows the task ahead
"I like big challenges and this is a a big challenge. It's a big club and with big clubs comes responsibility."

I would think that its just the standard response when a new coach comes in that everyone has a clean slate. I imagine that for some their cards may already be marked so to speak. I also think Smith needs the opportunity to see first hand the poor attitude of some of the playing squad, it seems from listening to players who have played under him you have to work hard and are held accountable if not. The suspect players are not talentless as they have shown they can indeed play if/when they can be d and its possible that Smith can get these players to buy in to what hes doing and enjoy the rugby.

At least with Smith he is experienced at turning clubs around and particularly players that have under performed so we have to give his a chance.