I attended Hull FC's fans forum and left with three key takeaways

Andrew Thirkill's passion & transparency

Andrew Thirkill's name has been linked with Hull FC for most of the year but what became apparent relatively quickly was that things have moved at speed in recent weeks to get to this point. Thirkill referenced this early on in the forum but it was clear that his enthusiasm has been there for some time.

What was refreshing about Thirkill was his honesty. When he didn't have answers to questions, he said as much, such as when he was asked about improving entertainment within the stadium itself. He admitted that, given how quickly things have moved, he hadn't had time to put together grand plans just yet.

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Far too often I have seen people arrive at clubs and sell the dream and promise to deliver things they can't. It's a trap far too many people fall into, so it was a pleasant change for Thrikill to be transparent and, at times, modest about his aspirations for the club.

But his enthusiasm came through and gave supporters enough to be excited about. He spoke about his frustrations while watching the team struggle from afar and his desire to deliver something the city can be proud of, as well as legacy. His historical knowledge of the club, for someone associated strongly with Leeds Rhinos, proved he is a rugby league man at heart.

It appears this is a passion project for Hull FC's incoming chairman and with his acumen, as well as David Hood's, it would suggest they know a thing or two about how to make things work.

Beyond that, it was clear that rebuilding the relationship between the club and supporters has been identified as imperative, with this the beginning of building bridges with those frustrated and others who have grown apathetic. Transparency is key.

Recruitment reality

Richie Myler was vocal throughout the evening and, like Thirkill, was very honest about some of the shortcomings and challenges that he has faced since coming in. He had no qualms admitting some unpleasant truths, such as the state of the setup, a lack of identity among players and staff and a lack of resource.

And while this takeover is undeniably good news for Hull FC, it isn't a magic wand. It was Adam Pearson who said that there had been three or four bad cycles of recruitment and it would need a few to fix the mess. Myler echoed that and it's something that needs to be accepted.

But the supporters, by and large, get that. Those in attendance were asked to cheer when their realistic expectation for the season was called out. The loudest cheer was at eighth place. The club should be grateful that it has such a tolerant fanbase, but it is where Hull are at right now.

Adam Pearson relief

I couldn't help but feel pleased for Adam Pearson. It won't have only been me who thought it could be a very rough night for him, given the frustration that is, rightly, felt among supporters right now.

News earlier in the day almost certainly changed the atmosphere, but you could see his relief when the first question aimed at him started with a thank you for his efforts, which resulted in the auditorium responding with applause.

Pearson looked like a man with the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders and he was incredibly honest about the fact that he simply couldn't finance the club in the manner required. But when all is said and done, it's worth mentioning that Thirkill revealed it was Pearson who approached him about taking the club, rather than the other way around. He described that letter as 'amazing', so it must have been some sales pitch as soon after Myler was in as director of rugby.

Nobody, not even Adam himself, would gloss over the fact that the last few years have been abysmal and I'm sure there are things he would do differently if he had his time again. But the man deserves credit for the success he did deliver, and his parting gift has been finding a consortium that can take the club forward.

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