Neil Hudgell set to step down as Hull KR chairman

Correspondent

Hull KR chairman and owner Neil Hudgell has announced his intention to stand down at the Super League club.

Hudgell has said he will relinquish his role as chairman on December 1 after 16 years at the Craven Park helm.

He said: “Lockdown has given me a chance to reflect on the sport, the club and my personal situation.

“Hull Kingston Rovers has been an all-consuming journey for me for the last 16 years and I have decided that now is the right time for change.

“Coming back to play brings with it a return of the same old stresses and anxieties. The weight of expectation for a club of our size and support base is enormous and needs more than I feel I am now able to give.

“With all that in mind, I do not believe I can do justice to it any longer, which would be letting down the magnificent support base of our great club.”

Under Hudgell’s tenure, the Robins won promotion to Super League in 2006 and have spent just one year outside the top flight since.

With no relegation this year, Hudgell believes his successor will still take over a club with great potential.

He said: “It has been a very difficult decision, especially as I came into it as a lifelong fan, but one I feel is in the best long-term interests of the club.

“Any incumbent would be taking over a club with a significant level of liquidity, as well as Super League status preserved. I am looking to hand over the club in a better place than where I found it.

“The opportunity to buy Hull College Craven Park and the surrounding land also remain as explorable options.

“It has been an honour to lead Hull Kingston Rovers for such a long time and I have so many people to thank and praise for their help and support throughout the journey.

“But it’s time for me to sit it out for a while and more importantly, time for someone else to come in and elevate our great club to where I have not quite managed to take it.”

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