Hull City Ladies are facing an uncertain future amidst claims of misappropriation of club funds by a member of the ownership structure.
It has been alleged by multiple sources close to the club, that a sum of more than £200,000 has gone missing from the club’s books over a five year period.
Humberside Police economic crimes unit have confirmed the investigation into the suspected financial fraud is still ongoing, with the FA also running a separate investigation regarding the mismanagement and abusive behaviour of the club owner.
Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
On April 14th Hull forward Hope Knight posted a statement on Facebook claiming the club’s ownership has used funds for his own personal gain, the statement read as follows:
The post was shared by fans and members of the playing staff.
Fellow player Helen Leanne told commenters: “Money had been sent in by sponsors SPECIFICALLY for a S&C (strength and conditioning) coach, which is also required at this level.”
On top of inadequate coaching resources the players have said that they are paid poorly by the standards of the division, and also do not received any health insurance from the club.
Local youtuber Alfie Potts Hamer has posted a video on YouTube, in which he discusses a conversation he had with a player: “One player told me that she had to tell a young girl, who has asked about supporting the team by buying merchandise, that it might not be best to do so at this moment in time. Owing to concerns about where that money might end up.”
In this video, taken during their final game of the season, Hope Knight added:
“It’s really important that this club is here next season because you’ve seen the amount of young girls that are here watching and they’ve got aspirations and are inspired to play for Hull City Ladies, we don’t want them travelling out of city.
“The best situation is he (Dan Johnson) walks away. Once he is gone I’m confident that companies from Hull will invest in the ladies team.”
Forward Rachael Ackroyd also posted her worries to X:
Hull City Ladies are independent from the men’s team, having an entirely separate ownership structure.
They play their football in Barton across the river from Hull, and are currently in the third division of women’s football, despite only being part-time.
On the 16th of April in the aftermath of the posts, co-owner Daniel Johnson submitted for the club to be relegated in spite of them surviving in eighth last season.
Club sources have alleged that this is retaliation against the players and staff who spoke out against his ownership.
The request will most likely be denied due to lack of sufficient evidence and a majority backing, with Johnson only controlling only a 50% stake in Hull City Ladies.
Most recently it has been alleged that Johnson was aggressive and abusive towards the players when previously managing the club prior to acquiring a stake.
Claims include Johnson kicking footballs at the women and making inappropriate sexual comments.
These claims were made in a no confidence letter to the FA, tabled by current and ex players, staff, volunteers and sponsors who provided evidence for their claims.
When interviewed for The Yorkie, and asked about the ownership, Hull number 10 Rachael Ackroyd said: “It was a lack of trust, nothing he said I could trust.
“At the start of the season after being promised more then we had last season, we were told we would be receiving the same amount we did last year. This is despite getting 25k on the FA cup and winning the league.
“We also didn’t get a S&C (Strength & Conditioning) coach and we were not given any answers as to why.”
When asked if she or any of her teammates struggle to meet their player demands Rachel said: “I don’t struggle but I do work 45/50hr weeks and still am expected to travel 1hr each way to training twice a week and then match days are always at least 1hr driving to meet the bus or go to the home match.
“The money we are getting doesn’t even cover my travel to training. I can’t speak for my teammates but I know a lot of us work full time jobs and are expected to perform at this level every week with a depleted team due to injuries.
“I am not sure what others are doing but I am trying to stay fit and if the owner stays at the club I don’t think some of us will be there as we have been treated as objects by the owner.”
