Coach Ged Stokes set for Whitehaven exit

Stokes spent four years at Workington before joining Whitehaven

Relegated Whitehaven are set to part company with coach Ged Stokes, BBC Radio Cumbria understands.

The Marras are second-bottom in the Championship this season with one game left to play.

Stokes joined Whitehaven in 2008 and has faced increased calls for his dismissal from sections of the club's support in recent months.

It is believed Stokes will be placed on 'gardening leave' until a settlement can be agreed between the two parties.

Both the New Zealand-born coach and club chairman Dick Raaz have declined to comment on the situation.

Stokes began his coaching career with Canterbury Country Cardinals in his home country in 1994 before he was appointed head coach of the Canterbury Rugby League representative side.

In 2000, he led Canterbury Bulls to victory in the inaugural Bartercard Cup Grand Final and was named New Zealand coach of the year in the same season.

Following a spell in charge of the New Zealand 'A' tour of Great Britain in 2003, Stokes was appointed head coach of Workington Town before moving to neighbours Whitehaven where he led the club to the play-offs during his first season in charge.

Relegation this season came after a disastrous 13-game losing run which ended on Sunday following a 29-28 win against fellow relegated side Keighley.