Hull FC to rename stand after Johnny Whiteley

Hull FC are to rename a stand at the MKM Stadium after former player Johnny Whiteley MBE, the rugby league club has confirmed.

Whiteley won the championship and played in Challenge Cup finals with Hull, and coached both Hull FC and Hull KR.

He was part of Test series wins over Australia with the Lions as both player and coach, and was part of three World Cup squads between 1954 and 1960.

The dedication of the East Stand will take place ahead of the Super League season opener against Bradford Bulls on 14 February.

Speaking on BBC Radio Humberside at the Hull FC Fans Forum, club chairman and owner Andrew Thirkill said: "It's about time it was recognised... it's great news."

He added Whiteley's family would attend the dedication and are "fully supportive and thrilled as we are".

The MKM Stadium, owned by Hull City Council, is home to Hull FC and Championship football club Hull City.

The East Stand will be named after Whiteley on Hull FC match days but during Hull City games, it will be called the Chris Chilton Stand in honour of the Tiger's all-time record goal scorer.

The dedication followed a campaign by Hull Kingston Rovers fan Mike Pearson, who wanted a road in the city to be named after Whiteley.

"He's not just a rugby hero, he's a city hero for me," Pearson said.

Other rugby league stars who played for Hull FC and Hull KR such as Phil Lowe, Clive Sullivan and Roger Millward have all been honoured with street or road names.

During his playing career at Hull FC, Whiteley scored 156 tries in 417 games.

Known to many as Gentleman John, he was awarded an MBE in 2005 for his services to rugby league.

He died in 2022 at the age of 91.

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