Hull FC boss Lee Radford has already had stick – and he is glad

LEE RADFORD is getting stick before a ball has even been kicked – but the Hull coach is glad.

That means Hull KR are back in the top flight and the cross-city rivalry, which he is at the heart of, has ramped up.

Radford lives deep in Rovers territory and is hearing just about every insult that could come a Black and Whites boss’ way, mostly from his mates!

“It has started,” said Radford. “Mind you, it started when they were in the Championship. It never stops.

“And given the fact half the blokes I knock about with are red and whites, it’s pretty active. I missed having the derby significantly.”

Hull start their quest for a Grand Final spot against Huddersfield tonight. Then it is off to Australia to face Wigan in the first Super League game outside Europe.

PA:Press Association

And the lengths some fans have gone to to follow their team have blown Radford away.

He added: “Some of the stories are unbelievable. People telling me they’ve taken out bank loans to go. It was a little bit surreal.

“The month itself is a real difficult month. Huddersfield first up is tough and when they got their troops back last year, there was a real spike in their performances but I want to get on the plane with a win.”