Head coach Shaun McRae leaves Salford City Reds

McRae's last match in charge was the 32-6 victory over Wakefield in March

Salford City Reds have announced that coach Shaun McRae has left the club.

The 51-year-old, who had been on leave due to medical advice since March, had been expected to leave his role at the end of the Super League season.

However, Salford have reached an agreement with McRae, who has departed 12 games into the season, with Phil Veivers taking caretaker charge.

Reds chief David Tarry said: "Shaun has a fantastic record in terms of coaching and we thank him for his efforts."

Salford endured a wretched Easter weekend, losing 60-0 at home to Warrington on Good Friday and then 52-22 at Huddersfield on Tuesday night.

"The club feel it is time for a change and we need to move on," said Tarry. "There is no doubt now that, as we head into the new stadium, the head coach's job at Salford is one of the most attractive available in the game.

McRae added: "This mutual agreement allows both the club and myself to move on in a fresh direction.

It's not ideal at this stage of the season not to have a head coach. But hopefully this gives us some stability, having someone in charge the players can relate to

Salford football director Steve Simms

"The past four years with the Reds have taken my career as a head coach to the 450-game landmark.

"The Salford experience has included a clean sweep of trophies during one season in the National League and the challenges of competing in the elite Super League, highlighted by the development of a crop of young players.

"My thanks go to Reds chairman John Wilkinson and the directors, players, backroom and office staff, sponsors and, of course, the faithful fans, coupled with best wishes for a new era in a new home."

Salford now take on Harlequins in London on Saturday evening looking to improve on their current position of 12th under Veivers, who has been promoted from assistant coach.

With assistant coach Malcolm Alker also on sick leave and in dispute with the club, Salford look to be an organisation in crisis and the off-field drama has clearly affected playing performances.

But Salford football director Steve Simms hopes that confirmation of McRae's departure can now help stabilise their turbulent season.

"It's not ideal at this stage of the season not to have a head coach," he said.

"But hopefully this now gives us some stability, having someone in charge the players can relate to."