Promoted Thunder sack coach Woods

Woods led Thunder to promotion as champions in 2008

Newly-promoted Gateshead Thunder have sacked coach Dave Woods just a month before the start of the new season.

The Championship club have not divulged their reason for dispensing with the services of the Australian.

But it is thought to be a result of a serious breach of club discipline and professional misconduct.

Thunder, who open their campaign at Keighley in the Northern Rail Cup on 8 February, have put assistant Chris Hood in charge until a successor is named.

In a statement, Gateshead chief executive Rod Findlay said: "The club would like to thank David for his role in securing the club's promotion to the Co-operative Championship and would like to wish him the best in his future career.

"Pre-season training will continue under the direction of Chris Hood, the current assistant coach, and the club will review its structure over the coming weeks.

"The club does not intend to comment any further on David Woods' dismissal."

It is the second time that Woods has lost his job immediately after leading a team to promotion.

Three years ago he was not re-appointed by Castleford despite guiding them back into Super League at the first attempt and made way for the arrival of current coach Terry Matterson.

Woods returned to Australia but was appointed coach of Gateshead two years ago and in 2008 guided them to the National League Two title and with it automatic promotion.

His achievement was recognised when he was named National League Two coach of the year and he turned down an offer to become Featherstone's new coach during the close season.