Whitehaven coach Carl Forster to leave at end of season

Whitehaven coach Carl Forster will depart at the season’s end due to the club’s ongoing financial issues.

It has been well-documented in recent months that the old Cumbrian side have been struggling to pay players and staff.

And as a result of Haven’s financial situation, player-coach Forster will leave the club at the end of the season.

On his Whitehaven exit, Forster said: “Not sure how to really start this but I’m genuinely gutted and really sorry to be leaving Whitehaven.

“I’m gutted that things have had to end and I didn’t believe I’d be writing this message for many years. With obvious struggles, we’ve had to face over the last two seasons, the club are doing everything possible to fix things, but I understand the club’s decision and their need to move things in a different direction.

“Leaving is not something I want to do, but after talks with the board of directors, it’s clear that I have to move on for the benefit of the club and also to provide for my family.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank every single player that has played for me and the club since my appointment, you made my job so much easier.

“My staff, Des, Vic, Neil, Macca and Tony, the board of directors and Amanda for putting their faith in me and giving me this opportunity that I’ll always be grateful for.

“And most importantly, the fans. You have been amazing to me since the day I arrived on dual-registration and then came back as a player. I can’t thank you enough for your support week in, week out.

“I just hope this club gets back to where it belongs because the fans deserve it. But now, we’ve got a massive five weeks to finish the season and I’ll be giving everything I have to get this club promoted.”