Hull give number 18 to the fans

Correspondent

Hull have unveiled “Old Faithful” on the back of their number 18 shirt to recognise the support of their loyal fans.

It was announced at the launch of the 2010 season pass and the shirt will be on display all season in the club shop, alongside the Black and Whites new home and away shirts which will be launched next month.

The first ever player to wear the No.18 irregular hooped shirt, following the birth of squad numbers in Super League, was current Hull captain Lee Radford.

Speaking at the launch, Radford said: “The Hull FC fans are unbelievable. They are passionate, loud and for me the best in the game.

“They really epitomise what every fan should be about and to officially recognise them as the 18th man is a well deserved accolade.”

He added: “It might sound a bit clichéd, but they have stood by us through thick and thin and they really are our extra man.

“I am already looking forward to running out in front of a bumper crowd again next season.”

Hull FC Chief Executive James Rule commented: “This shirt symbolises so much more than just a number.

“It acknowledges the unwaveringly loyal, fanatical and adoring support of the Hull FC fans who are a credit to this club and the game of rugby league.

“As our new season passes are about to be launched, we felt this was the perfect time for us to highlight how magnificent the fans are at Hull FC and we hope they can all take pride in this new jersey and the squad number 18 as it belongs to them. They really are our 18th man and we are lucky to have them.”

The Number 18 also has further significance for Hull, as they clinched the 18th Challenge Cup of all time back in 1913-14.

The Black and Whites will be hoping for a similar outcome this season with a squad, that in addition to ‘Old Faithful 18’, also boasts world class new signings Craig Fitzgibbon and Mark O’Meley, as well as one of rugby league’s most decorated players in Sean Long.

As well as that, exciting young prospect Jordan Turner has also joined the Black and Whites, coupled with the arrival of Jordan Tansey and Epalahame Lauaki.

They have all spoken of their ambitions since joining Hull and are desperate to bring some silverware to the KC Stadium.

Long said: “Hull are a massive club, they have a great stadium and strong squad and superb fans. They have all the ingredients for success and I think we can achieve something special here.”

While 20-year-old Turner added: “The offer from Hull helped my realise how ambitious I was a player and I feel by joining the club I now have the opportunity to realise these ambitions.”