McNally wants to continue coaching

McNally, 50, was last season's Super League coach of the year and had 18 months left on his contract.

The Wildcats have won only one of their last seven Super League games and are just one point above the drop zone.

Assistant Tony Smith is expected to take temporary charge, with ex-Widnes boss Neil Kelly amongst the leading candidates for the permanent position.

"There is never going to be an easy time to do this but if we make a change now and it goes well, we have made the right decision," said Wildcats chief executive Diane Rogerson.

We desperately need a change at the helm and now is the right time From W Have your say on Five Live

"Shane was Super League coach of the year last season but unfortunately we are not playing in Super League IX now. This is Super League X.

"We have suffered three of our worst defeats this season, against Leeds, London and St Helens and we have to look to the future."

Rogerson revealed that the club have already received interest from people wanting to succeed McNally but said Smith would be given time to turn things around.

"We have appointed Tony Smith to take over coaching duties. He has taken his first playing session and he is in charge now," she said. "We will monitor it and see how it goes."

McNally, who hopes to reach a settlement with the club over the remainder of his contract, was disappointed to be leaving.

This is a setback but it's not going to affect my confidence Shane McNally

"I was there to do a job and I've not been allowed to finish it," he said.

"This is a setback but it's not going to affect my confidence. I've been coaching since 1984 and I think I still have a lot to offer.

"If someone out there also feels that way, I'm happy to sit down and talk."

McNally joined Trinity as assistant to former coach Peter Roe and took full charge of the team three years ago.

He oversaw a rise in Wakefield's fortunes, lifting them away from relegation troubles to sixth place last year.