Could Jim McKay be the latest big name to leave the Pirates?

"The Cornish Pirates are aware that there is intense speculation concerning the future of Jim McKay, which we appreciate and understand," the statement said.

"It would, however, be inappropriate to comment further at this stage," it added.

McKay missed both Friday's training and the defeat of Newbury last Saturday.

The Pirates have said that McKay was absent because of illness.

The speculation comes after the team manager Adrian Edwards announced on Friday that he would leave the Pirates at the end of the season.

McKay has been at the helm of the Pirates for more than three years.

Last year he guided them to National Trophy success at Twickenham and a record third place in National League One in the 2005-2006 season.

On Monday Pirates president Dickie Evans also announced he was to leave the club at the end of the season with chairman Robin Turner throwing his hat into the ring to succeed him.

The departures follow controversial plans to share a newly-built ground with Truro City Football Club which will be put before a club EGM soon.

Cornish Pirates are refusing to comment on the story at the moment but are expected to make an official comment later in the week.