League 1 side West Wales Raiders have announced that coach Jon Ellis has left the club with immediate effect – just days after they were on the wrong end of a record-breaking defeat.
Ellis leaves the Raiders bottom of League 1 just five games into their season – in which they have conceded over 400 points.
They were beaten 144-0 at York on Sunday, and head to Odsal this weekend to face Bradford. Phil Carleton will be in temporary charge of the club.
Club chairman Andrew Thorne stated: “This has been one of the hardest decisions the board and myself have had to make.
“Jon has been a stalwart of the club and has helped the club grow since it started in Mynydd y Garreg; however, where we are now and where we need to be are miles apart. Jon is a fantastic coach and has been involved in the development of so many young players for the past eight years – some of which are in Super League today.
“But what the club needs at the moment is more than a coach; we have to change the culture that is embedded in rugby league in Wales and to do that we need to look for someone who can manage players as well as coach them.
”Changes like this are not nice for all involved and although Mr Ellis is not directly involved in the first team, I hope everyone respects the work and effort he has put in to make sure rugby league in Wales is still visible.
”I personally would like to thank Jon for everything I have learned from him and hope he will remain involved in the club in the future. “
