Stokes set to leave Whitehaven

Correspondent

Whitehaven coach Ged Stokes is set to leave the club and could be on his way to rivals Barrow, according to LastTackle.com sources.

The Kiwi coach, who has previously been boss at Workington, seemed to be saying farewell in his post match interview following their 26-21 play-off defeat at Widnes last night.

Stokes has enjoyed a successful spell at the Recre after taking over from former Barrow chief Paul Crarey mid way through 2008.

The Raiders meanwhile, who won the Championship title last weekend, parted company with caretaker coach Steve Deakin a fortnight ago, and have been advertising for their coach position in 2010 since Dave Clark was stood down from the role in August.

Rumours also suggest that former Gateshead and Castleford coach Dave Woods could be being lined up to replace Stokes at Whitehaven.

Meanwhile, prop Karl Edmondson has played his last game for Haven. The New Zealander is returning Down Under to resume his career in the police following a two-year spell in Cumbria.