Amidst rumours of Hull FC making an approach, Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has stated that the team has offered head coach Adrian Lam a new contract.
Since Smith was fired in early April, the Black & Whites have been without a head coach for about a month. Several coaches have been connected to the position.
Paul Rowley, the manager of Salford Red Devils, has reportedly rejected an offer to take over at Hull, and Brian McDermott, the head coach of the Leeds Rhinos, has reportedly also rejected one.
Adrian Lam of Leigh Leopards examines a job offer from Paul Redhead of Hull FC.5 May 2024
Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has stated that the team has extended head coach Adrian Lam’s contract. This comes amid rumours that Hull FC may make an approach.
Since Smith was fired in early April, the Black & Whites have been without a head coach for about a month. Several coaches have been connected to the position.
Paul Rowley, the manager of Salford Red Devils, has reportedly rejected an offer to take over at Hull, and Brian McDermott, the head coach of the Leeds Rhinos, has reportedly also rejected one.
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On Friday night, Sky Sports made known that Lam was on FC’s shortlist; commentator Jon Wilkin even ventured to speculate that they would attempt luring Lachlan Lam, his son, and his father to Humberside.
The increasing rumours stem from Hull’s acquisition of current Leigh captain John Asiata, who is expected to earn approximately £220,000 year, on a three-year contract starting in 2025.
Since then, Beaumont has criticised Hull for their manner of announcing the transaction, labelling it “not good behaviour at all” and casting doubt on FC’s actions, branding them as “desperate.”
Leigh Leopards extend a new contract to Adrian Lam
Beaumont has acknowledged that the salary that Asiata would earn at Hull has “staggered” him, citing the Airlie Birds’ strong financial position and obvious intention to squander the cash under new director of rugby Richie Myler.
Speaking about the rumours involving Lam, Beaumont disclosed that the team has extended an offer to their head coach in an effort to retain the guy who won the Challenge Cup the previous year.
In a speech to the supporters, Beaumont also acknowledged that Lam makes the final decision and that Hull’s “crazy offers” do not ensure his signature.
“Trust the process, trust in me, trust in Lammy, Chezzy (Chris Chester) & Jukesy (Neil Jukes),” Beaumont told supporters.
“We’d like to keep Lammy (Adrian Lam), and he’s had a three-year deal put to him,” he said. It is up to the individual making the offer if they want to accept the uncertainty that comes with accepting someone who is making outrageous demands.
What I can promise is that we will be a team with a top-tier coach, spending the entire wage cap as we already do, and using all three of your permitted marquee quotas.
“That’s my pledge, and I believe that’s all anyone really needs to know.”
Hull FC is getting ready to spend big.
Beaumont did not address rumours that Lachlan Lam will follow his father to Hull, although the talented half-back is under contract with the Leopards through the end of 2025.
The playmaker, who last season kicked the game-winning drop-goal to win Leigh the Challenge Cup, extended his contract in August of last year in order to remain at Leigh Sports Village and ward off interest from the NRL and Super League.
As a result, Hull would have to pay Leigh a transfer fee in addition to Lam’s large wage, making FC’s attempt to sign Adrian-Lachlan Lam twice as expensive.
But based on the Asiata acquisition, it appears that the Black & Whites have the money and that Myler and Chairman Adam Pearson are willing to spend it in order to turn the team around.
