Salford boss Paul Rowley turns down Hull FC as red tape hampers stadium deal

PAUL Rowley is staying at Salford after rejecting an approach to be Hull FC’s next coach.

The Black and Whites were told they would have to ‘break the bank’ to land the Red Devils’ chief – a fee of £150,000.

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But talks did not even get that far as their number one choice said no, meaning discussions over a fee were never started.

Salford said: “We can confirm that Paul Rowley will remain head coach.

“An approach was made by Hull FC, which has now been rejected. Paul remains committed to the project underway at the club.”

SunSport understands the offer, which is believed to have been made on Sunday, always had two obstacles to overcome if it was to succeed.

First, Rowley had to tell his club he wanted to head to the second-bottom side, who have just appointed former player Richie Myler as director of rugby.

Then FC would have had to come up with enough cash to convince Salford to release him from his contract, which runs until 2025.

SunSport also learned insiders also ‘seriously doubted’ whether he would move to Hull FC – those have now been realised.

Meanwhile, Salford may be forced to wait until the summer for the transformative stadium deal to be completed.

The Red Devils have commercial deals ready to go and avenues for more money waiting to be explored.

But insiders fear legal red tape may hold the city council’s buyout of current partners Peel up until it may be too late for some.

For if they do not have it in place by the end of May – although the clause requiring a 15-year lease has been dropped – they can kiss goodbye to up to £2 million of Government money through the Levelling Up Fund.