Welcome Tony. Interested to see how such a hugely experienced head coach makes his mark on the club.

Has there ever been worse timing on a big announcement from us?

Welcome Tony, in my time watching FC I think he’s the first non-assistant signing which is ridiculous really. Big job ahead but he’s the right man IMO.

Don't think we could've asked for much more.

500 plus games coached.

Improved failing or under achieving clubs in his last 3 roles

He will need support, just hope the expert coaches dont call for his head when they realise this squad isnt good enough. We will have to wait and be patient.

https://youtu.be/csOI6gzpFNM Might be of interest

https://youtu.be/csOI6gzpFNM Might be of interest

Tony Smith is the best there was available at the present moment and he arrives with a real point to prove himself. He loves living round here and by his own admission reading between the lines he was hoping to step in at Hull FC one day although even he admits its early than he expected it. The timing of the announcement coming at a time of national mourning probably lets him fly under the radar a bit and it will be nice for us to be judging him on his actions rather than the pages and pages of sugar coated rhetoric jam tomorrow and flimsy promises these appointments usually bring.

He has obviously been respected, liked and even perhaps a little feared by the players he has controlled in the past and thank goodness the days of appointing an assistant are over and we have gone for a proven coach who has probably seen everything although there is little doubt even he probably faces his biggest challenge to date.

His appointments as assistants will be interesting and no doubt we will have more news next week as well as how he manages the 'troublesome' core of the team and gets a few of his own players in. The main thing is that he has seen it all and values and understands the importance of the corporate all embracing approach to getting improvements that spans right across the club from fans to the owner. Interesting times I don't think we will be bored in the closed season.

Rovers fans are really rattled

I think a lot of Jake Connors issue are born out of frustration more than anything especially with his team mates. It has seemed for some time there has been a real lack of direction and leadership on and off the field and Jake maybe a player that needs that type of environment to thrive. Hopefully with Smith being the first experienced Head Coaching appointment since the days of McRae & Kear in the mid 2000’s.

I had resigned myself to not renewing for next season as I had just had enough but the news & noises coming out the club so far have been refreshing and different from the old jam tomorrow rhetoric. I think Smith will make a difference and make improvements and will get my support on the toughest challenge he’s likely had as a Coach.

I think in terms of Smith there’s no doubting the guys record at turning clubs round. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a real fire inside to not just turn the club round but also to prove a point to some across the river.

COYH

Agree with this. Has the potential to be the most interesting and exciting off season for a while, which is needed given we don't kick a ball in anger for 5 months. Even better that he starts on Monday so can be putting things in place straightaway.

Having spoke to people who have crossed his paths, one thing for sure is come monday night the players will be aware who boss is.

Just what we want to hear

Have to wonder if there'll be any more player exits.