As an eventful 2020 draws to a close, Hull FC Chairman Adam Pearson has written the following letter to our members.
Dear Members & Supporters,
I am writing on behalf of the players, coaches and staff at the club to thank you for your loyal support this year.
I don’t think any of us could have foreseen what was to unfold throughout 2020, a year that has presented many personal and professional challenges for all of us.
Whilst it has been a year of grief, ill-health and financial hardship throughout the country, it has also been a time for compassion, solidarity and unity.
It has been the year of frontline workers and incredible personal efforts from the likes of Captain Tom and Marcus Rashford. A year that has brought the best out of people, including genuine community spirit and friendship.
At our club, unity and solidarity were demonstrated by the incredible loyalty of our members and corporate partners who have stood with us throughout 2020.
Compassion and selflessness were epitomised by the work of our community foundation, in particular our Clubman of the Year, Liam Welham, delivering food parcels throughout lockdown to those who needed them most.
Commitment and dedication were exemplified by the tireless work and sacrifice of our staff, coaches and players to navigate us through this challenging pandemic, whilst unanimously undertaking voluntary wage reductions and furlough to safeguard the future of the club.
But, for me, nothing embodies the spirit of 2020 more than Rob Burrow, his fight with MND and the remarkable efforts to raise funds and awareness for his family and charity.
Rob’s story and the outpouring of genuine love and support for one of the modern-day greats of the game will be the lasting memory of 2020 for rugby league supporters, who have had the privilege to witness his courage and bravery on and off the field.
We should also recognise the friendship and dedication of Kevin Sinfield in support of his friend and team mate, as well as the many thousands of people more from across the rugby league family and beyond who have contributed to an unbelievable fundraising effort.
As a club, we are humbled that we could play just a very small part in that through our Challenge Cup anniversary shirts, which will contribute at least £10,000 to the campaign.
The worst of times often brings the best out of people and I hope we can continue to harness the spirit of 2020 as we emerge from this most difficult of years.
The new year will hopefully bring about a fresh start as we look forward to coming home eventually in 2021.
The delayed start to the season, the introduction of vaccines and the return of crowds to professional sport gives us hope that we will welcome our members back to the KCOM Stadium next year, something we have missed greatly.
We can look forward to a new approach from our head coach Brett Hodgson and his backroom staff, as well as the exciting arrival of talented half back Josh Reynolds, a player that possesses all the qualities that Hull FC supporters demand and admire.
Everyone at our club is grateful for the ongoing support of our members and fans despite them being denied the opportunity to be with us in person.
The incredible financial support and commitment of our members throughout this year has been humbling and it has been key in providing financial stability for the club, which now faces a deficit in excess of two-million pounds.
It has been encouraging to see so many members already renew for the 2021 season, hopefully gratified by priority renewals, a price freeze across the board and an optional reduction on renewal prices.
The message continues to be one of solidarity. It is important now more than ever before that we can all pull together to continue to navigate this fantastic club through the ongoing perils and into more enjoyable times, which we can all hopefully share in the not too distant future.
The one thing we all have in common, is a shared love and passion for this club and that will never wain. Everyone at Hull FC remains dedicated to trying to progress the club towards further success, on and off the field.
Finally, as we approach the Christmas period, I am eager to encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities in the safest way possible.
We are all desperately disappointed that after such a torrid year we will not be able to share Christmas with our family and friends. However, after experiencing coronavirus first-hand, I urge you to stay safe and healthy, it is not something I would wish upon anyone.
I truly hope Christmas can still be a special one for you and your family and on behalf of everyone at the club I would like to wish you the best of health, safety and prosperity for the new year ahead.
Once again, thank you for your support this season and we look forward to a more promising year in 2021.
Merry Christmas.
Adam
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