Instant parting for coach Kear and Hull

Hull have announced that coach John Kear is to leave with immediate effect after being told he would not have his contract renewed earlier on Monday.

Chief Executive David Plummer said: "Hull FC wish to place on record their appreciation for John?s efforts over the past three and a half year and wish him all the best for the future."

Kear added: "It has been a tremendous period of my working life and I wish all at the club the best of luck for the future."

The Super League club ended weeks of speculation over the future of their coach by announcing that Kear will not be offered a new contract for next season.

The news comes just 48 hours after Hull were knocked out of the Powergen Challenge Cup at the first hurdle, failing to defend the trophy they won at the Millennium Stadium last August.