Neil Kelly has been released by Widnes Vikings

Kelly was out of contract at the end of the season but has paid the price for his side's disappointing campaign.

The Vikings lie third from bottom of the Super League table after winning just four of their 17 games.

Kelly was Super League Coach of the Year in 2002 after taking his newly-promoted side to the brink of the play-offs at the first attempt.

I've got to sit down and discuss it with my family Neil Kelly

Widnes have won just four of their 17 matches this season and held crisis talks earlier in the season after losing their opening five games.

In a statement, the club said: "Widnes have parted company with Neil Kelly with immediate effect. Caretaker arrangements are being discussed and the club intend to make a full-time appointment as soon as possible."

Kelly leaves Wales job

Kelly, who recently stepped down as Wales national coach, is the second Super League coach to be sacked this season, following Castleford's decision to part company with Graham Steadman.

Kelly, who was called in by the Widnes board on Sunday to be told the news, said: "I've got to sit down and discuss it with my family."

He declined to comment further but admitted the result against Wigan "wasn't acceptable" and is believed to have felt let down by the performances of his players.

Among the possible contenders for the Widnes post will be former Salford coach Steve McCormack, who is currently in charge at National League club Whitehaven.