Ex-Great Britain forward Karl Harrison is the new head coach of Super League's bottom club Salford Reds.

Harrison, 38, will leave his job as assistant coach to Brian Noble at Super League champions Bradford after the Bulls' game at Warrington on Sunday.

He has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the struggling Reds.

Harrison replaces Steve McCormack, who was sacked last Wednesday after a run of six straight defeats.

McCormack had only been in the job since July 2001, when he replaced John Harvey.

Harrison, who is expected at the Reds' home game against St Helens on Saturday, will team up with his former coach at Halifax, Steve Simms, who is the director of rugby at The Willows.

"Karl was a top-class, model pro player who always led from the front," said Simms, who will select the side for the game against Saints.

"He has served his coaching apprenticeship and is very highly rated by Brian Noble, who can't speak highly enough of his qualities as a coach and his value to a team.

"I know what makes him tick and can sense he is going to relish this new challenge.

Important appointment

"He knows the game inside out and is a coach who will be held in very high esteem.

"This is a very important appointment. I know we have got the right man and am very excited."

Former prop forward Harrison played for Hull and Halifax and won the last of his 14 Great Britain caps against Australia in 1994.

He has been Noble's assistant at Bradford for the past two seasons after quitting as coach of Northern Ford Premiership club Keighley.