Hull KR have parted company with coach Craig Sandercock, the Mail understands.
Sandercock had been in discussions with the Robins about the possibility of signing a new one-year deal since the end of April. But with those talks having reached an impasse over the last ten weeks, it is understood the Australian will now leave his role at the east Hull club.
With a tough game at home to St Helens coming up on Sunday, the timing is far from ideal, especially as the Robins need to win to stay in the hunt for the final play-off spot.
It is no secret that making the top eight was a minimum requirement for Sandercock this season, but with that looking like it is in the balance he now appears to have paid the price.
The club have tonight issued a statement to confirm that Sandercock has left his role, with assistant coach Chris Chester put in charge until the end of the season.
"Hull Kingston Rovers can confirm they have today parted company with head coach Craig Sandercock with immediate effect," said a club spokesman.
"The club has made the decision not to renew Craig's contract in 2015 and with that in mind have placed Chris Chester in charge of first team duties initially until the end of the season whilst a full review of all off-field operations is carried out.
"The club would like to thank Craig for all his hard work over the last three years and wishes him well in the future."
