IT’S fair to say that things didn’t exactly go well for Tony Smith at Hull FC.

After steering their bitter city rivals, Hull KR, to silverware contenders, there was hope that Smith could do the same with the Black and Whites.

But, the 58-year-old won just 11 from 34 Super League games whilst in charge, as Smith’s tenure came to an end just 18 months after taking the reins in April 2024.

Now Smith has reflected on that difficult spell, explaining why a lack of investment stunted the growth of his side.

“My wife and I were still living in the city when I got approached by Adam Pearson (former owner of Hull FC),” Smith told the League Express podcast.

“He explained the situation that they were in and I was happy to help. I was there in the city and I like a challenge.

“It was a big challenge, they were at a different stage of their history where they were in dire need of investment in order to help turn that liner around in the middle of the ocean.

“Unfortunately, Adam wasn’t in the position to do that until he got further investment. I was happy enough to be there to do what I could with the team.

“It was tough, the connection wasn’t great with the supporters as well. They were having a frustrating time.”

Smith explained that, although, head coaches are judged on winning, he judged himself on how much he improved those around him.

“Had the investment come in and I was the right person to lead that through, that would have been fine.

“It wasn’t all about winning trophies for me. It was about trying to help players and those within an organisation to get better.

“I got great satisfaction with that. Sometimes when you do that well enough and the resources are good enough you migh twin a trophy but it wasn’t about that for me.

“It was about getting the best out of myself and the people around me. Whilst I got judged on whether my team won or lost, it wasn’t how I judged myself and judged the people around me.”