McCormack resigns as Gateshead coach

Steve McCormack has resigned as head coach of Gateshead Thunder after less than a year in charge.

The Scotland international coach only succeeded Chris Hood in May and led Thunder to safety in their debut season in the Championship.

However, the club finds itself embroiled in a shareholder dispute which threatens to undo the forward steps the club has taken in recent years.

McCormack stated: “I have loved every minute of my stay at Gateshead and would like to thank Steve and Sarah Garside for the way I have been treated during my time at the club. To be involved in the clubs “great escape” at the end of last season was tremendous and everybody connected with the club especially the players and supporters deserve immense credit.

“However, I have been through a similar situation a few years ago with Widnes and I feel that I have to do what is best for my family. Gateshead is a great club with fantastic supporters and I hope Fridays meeting at the RFL is a positive one “

Administration has been rumoured as a possible consequence of Thunder’s problems – something McCormack is no stranger to, having gone through it at former club Widnes.

The club are due to meet with the RFL on Friday to discuss its future.

Chief Executive Rod Findlay said: “It was with great sadness that I received Steve’s resignation and I know that Steve and Sarah Garside are sorry to see a coach of Steve’s calibre leave Thunder. Steve and I have obviously worked very closely together since he was appointed in May 2009 and I have learnt a lot from him. I am sure all of the Thunder family will wish him well in his next venture.”

McCormack has immediately been linked with the vacant position at Championship winners Barrow.

He led previous clubs Whitehaven and Widnes to back-to-back Grand Finals in four successive years from 2004 to 2007 and won the Northern Rail Cup with the Vikings in 2007.