We'd have been happy to have stuck to that (May 31 deadline) but speculation and events have meant we have had no alternative but to bring things forward.

What draws you to Will is that he has such a cool head for someone his age ? really beyond his years.

Shayne has been one of our most consistent performers and we are very happy he has signed a new deal.

Hull FC wish to place on record their appreciation for John's efforts over the past three and a half years and wish him all the best for the future.

The situation with John is that he is under contract until the end of the season and we have to make a decision on extending his contract before the end of May and that is what we will do. I can see why all this speculation has come about. John is out of contract, so is Brian Smith, and he is also a former Hull coach.

I can't say unexpected escalation of prices was in my mind. What I wanted the city to do was explain to themselves and Bellevue citizens what they thought the life-cycle cost of the building and its construction was and the cost to operate and maintain it.