Outgoing Hull FC head coach John Cartwright has revealed he feels "betrayed and disrespected" by the club's decision to part ways with him at the end of the season, stating he has still not been given a reason for the move.
Cartwright, who took charge of the Super League side on a two-year deal ahead of the 2025 campaign, was informed last week that his contract would not be renewed. The announcement came after he guided the team to a seventh-place finish last season, just three points shy of the play-offs—a significant improvement from the club's dismal three-win season in 2024.
"It wasn't mutual, put it that way," Cartwright told BBC Radio Humberside. "I still haven't been given one [a reason]. I have asked and I expect to be able to sit down with someone in the not too distant future. When people know the facts they can make their own mind up, but for me I feel a bit betrayed and disrespected."
The 60-year-old Australian confirmed there had been no major fallout with the board prior to the decision. However, he expressed frustration over the timing of reports that Steve McNamara—currently an assistant at Warrington Wolves and former England and Catalans Dragons head coach—is set to replace him.
"I believe it's done. The information was leaked and I found the timing of that awkward," Cartwright said. "I've got nothing against Steve McNamara at all, it's just the business we're in, but I thought the timing could have been handled better."
The emotional impact of the announcement was felt throughout the squad. Cartwright revealed he cancelled a training session last Tuesday after addressing the players about his departure.
"There was a pretty emotional meeting when I addressed the players," he explained. "The coaches left the room and the players decided to stay. In all honesty it wasn't the type of atmosphere where a training session would have been of any value so I decided to call the day off. They needed to go and chat amongst themselves."
Despite the personal disappointment, Cartwright emphasized his commitment to finishing the season strongly. Hull FC currently sits ninth in the Super League table, just two points outside the top six.
"We've got to make sure we win as many games as we can," he stated. "It's ridiculous to waste a season. We're sitting two points out of the top six."
The Black and Whites face a challenging fixture on Thursday when they welcome Challenge Cup semi-finalists St Helens to MKM Stadium.