Richard Agar has now been in charge of Hull FC since May 2008
Hull FC have embarked on a plan of rebuilding for 2011 as coach Richard Agar aims to lower the average age of his side.
And two of his new signings Joe Westerman and Will Sharp are the first steps down that road.
The club has a huge fan base who want success - and last year they had plenty to cheer about.
For most of the season they looked on course for a top-four Super League finish, only to be derailed at the last when Leeds beat them on the final day at the KC Stadium, knocking them down to sixth - and setting up a play-off clash with city rivals Hull KR.
Defeat by Hull KR was hard to take but there were no complaints from Agar. And, this time round, having been forced into an eve-of-season switch by ditching bad boy Jordan Tansey and bringing in Cameron Phelps, the Black and Whites are looking to go one better.
They have a nice mix of youth and experience in their squad. But, if injuries hit them hard in the half-back positions as they did last season, the alternatives seem a bit skinny.
As it stands, Richard Horne and Sean Long need to play more games in 2011 than they did in 2010 for that top-four finish to be turned into a reality.
Everyone at the Yorkshire club knows that and, if the opportunity arises, Agar and the board of directors will address that Achilles heel by bringing in someone new. But that can be easier to talk about than to achieve: it will be done if the right player becomes available.
The acquisition of Westerman is an interesting one because, at 21, he is not the finished article and the fact that FC were prepared to pay a six-figure fee to Castleford for his services indicates just how highly Agar rates his potential.
Playing alongside the likes of new captain Craig Fitzgibbon and Mark O'Meley can only be a good thing for young Westerman - but he is definitely one for the future.
The Black and Whites have been forced into a rethink at full-back, where Tansey finally got his marching orders after a pre-season incident saw him teeter off the disciplinary tightrope he had been walking since two similar indiscretions last season.
But Agar has responded quickly by bringing in Aussie Phelps.
Sharp will play on one wing and England international Tom Briscoe on the other, but local youngster Reece Lynne will push hard for a regular place.
And the adaptable Richard Whiting is pencilled in at centre, alongside former international Kirk Yeaman.
Willie Manu, Ewan Dowes and Danny Tickle will get a lot of game time in 2011 and Agar has a host of youngsters waiting in the wings.
But he knows only too well that introducing too many young players too quickly could be a problem.
The Black and Whites have put a lot of faith in lowering the squad's average age. Reaching the play-offs is a must and improving on sixth place will be seen as a positive.
But it all hinges on keeping their experienced players on the field and injuries will be the key to the club's fortunes in 2011.
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