West Wales Raiders release Jon Ellis days after record defeat

West Wales Raiders have released head coach Jon Ellis with immediate effect following their record-breaking defeat at York.

The Raiders sit rock bottom of the League 1 table, having lost all five of their games so far. They suffered a world record loss on Sunday as they were demolished 144-0 by York City Knights.

They have conceded 406 points so far this season, scoring just 26.

And West Wales chairman Andrew Thorne revealed that the timing was right to part ways with Ellis.

He said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions that the board and myself have had to make.

“Jon has been a stalwart of the club and has helped the club grow since it started in Mynydd y Garreg, however where we are now and where we need to be are miles apart.

“Jon is a fantastic coach and has been involved in the development of so many young players for the past eight years, some of which are in Super League today, but what the club needs at the moment is more than a coach. We have to change the culture that is embedded in Rugby League in Wales and to do that we need to look for someone who can manage players as well as coach them.

“Changes like this are not nice for all involved and although Jon is not directly involved in the first team, I hope everyone respects the work and effort he has put in to make sure Rugby League in Wales is still visible.

“I personally would like to thank Jon for everything I have learned from him and hope he will remain involved in the club in the future.”

Phil Carleton will take over as coach on a temporary basis until a new coach is found.