Radford filled the skipper's role at Hull FC for three seasons

Hull FC forward Lee Radford has backed Sean Long as captain but admitted he is disappointed to lose the role.

Radford will continue as club captain but the on-field duties will pass to Long who has joined from St Helens.

The 30-year-old forward said: "I won't tell you a lie and say I'm not disappointed, because I am, but the reason for it makes sense.

"I'll probably be stinted on and off the field whereas Sean is likely to be an 80-minute player."

He added: "It's important the captain stays on the pitch at all times."

Radford believes the burden of captaincy will be eased by the presence of several experienced players in the team.

"We've got a group of seven senior players within the side and many of those, including Craig Fitzgibbon, Ewan Dowes, Peter Cusack and myself have experience of captaincy," he said.

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"Sean's job will probably be a lot easier than mine over the last couple of years because there are over 1,000 games there between the names I've mentioned with a lot of experience - and successful experience as well."

Hull FC are looking to improve on their 12th place in last season's Super League.

Radford hopes the club's signings will boost their chances of finishing higher up the table.

"We've recruited well in the key positions that we probably needed to," he said.

"It will be interesting to see how they settle in and play in the side and what they bring."

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