Last updated at 16:15, Tuesday, 17 August 2010
STEVE McCormack has quit his role as Barrow Raiders coach less than a year into his stay at Craven Park.
The former Salford and Gateshead boss handed in his resignation to Raiders chairman Des Johnston this morning to take up a permanent teaching post near his Wigan home.
McCormack has endured a torrid time with injuries in his 10 months in charge of Raiders, with Barrow currently fourth in the Championship table and losing their latest game 35-6 at Dewsbury on Sunday.
The club confirmed the departure in a statement issued this afternoon.
It said: “Further to meetings between Barrow RL chairman Des Johnston and head coach Steve McCormack, it has been agreed that Steve McCormack will step down as head coach with immediate effect.”
Chairman Des Johnston added in a further statement: “Following a series of meetings between myself and Steve over the last few weeks, Steve has informed me that he has been offered a full-time teaching post back in his home town of Wigan.
“Steve had to make a decision before tomorrow (August 18). We agreed before the Toulouse game that he would remain as head coach until the end of the season, however Steve felt with a starting date of September, he could no longer dedicate his full-time commitment to Barrow RL.
“It was decided this morning between myself and Steve that the club would not stand in his way and deny him this great opportunity.
“On a personal note, I have enjoyed thoroughly working with Steve and he has my utmost respect. I cannot speak highly enough of him.
“He has been very unfortunate this season with a horrific injury list, and myself and the board of directors wish him and his family every success and good luck for the future.
“We thank him wholeheartedly for his honest and hard-working efforts this season.
“It is with great sadness that things have not worked out as we both would have liked, and when he informed me three weeks ago regarding this teaching opportunity, I shook his hand and wished him all the best in his new career.”
McCormack, who guided Barrow to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup this season, with victory over Super League Castleford in the fourth round, added his own statement.
He said: “I have loved every minute of my time at Barrow and would like to thank the supporters and directors for the opportunity.
“My relationship with Des Johnston has been first-class and I wish him and the club well for the future.
“I feel this decision is the best one for the club and my family, as I couldn’t commit to the responsibilities of coaching Barrow Raiders in a full-time capacity any longer.
“I met Des this morning and informed him of my decision. I would still like to stay in the game in a part-time coaching capacity, but at this moment in time, I cannot commit to both full-time roles.”
• See tomorrow’s Evening Mail for full story and reaction to McCormack’s departure
