Whitehaven coach leaves club

Whitehaven have parted company with head coach Don Gailer.

Gailer, 56, took over at the Recre in the close season, and led the Cumbrians to promotion from Championship 1.

Just a fortnight ago, it had been reported that Gailer would be staying on for another year, and that the club were targeting victory in the Grand Final to finish 2012 on a high, but the offer of a new deal has now been withdrawn.

Last Friday’s defeat at London Skolars, which turned out to be the Australian’s final match, meant that Whitehaven will finish 4th in the table, behind local rivals Workington and Barrow.

Doncaster can finish top of the league if they beat Skolars at the weekend.

Gailer was previously coach of Australian side North Devils, and beat off 19 other applicants to land the job last winter.