Gary Mercer position as Yorkshire Carnegie coach unclear

Mercer had a brief spell as Castleford Tigers coach in 2004

Yorkshire Carnegie say that head coach Gary Mercer has not been sacked, but coach Tommy McGee has temporarily been placed in charge of first-team affairs.

BBC Radio Leeds reported on Sunday that Mercer had been sacked with the club 10th in the Championship.

The 48-year-old was appointed on a two-year deal in August, but has won just two of his eight league games.

"We wish to make it clear that Gary Mercer has not been dismissed from his position," a club statement said.

The Headingley side are currently eight points outside the play-off places and drew 19-19 with bottom side Plymouth Albion on Friday.

"The board is naturally disappointed with the start we have made to the season, and we are working hard to ensure that an immediate improvement is made and sustained following the draw with Plymouth Albion on Friday night," the statement continued.

"As part of this ongoing process, we have held detailed discussions with Gary.

"We now enter a spell of three weeks of British & Irish Cup pool games and, as per the last period of games in this competition, Tommy McGee will take charge of team affairs whilst the board, under the stewardship of Sir Ian McGeechan, look to resolve the best way forward for the club.

"At the present time, there is no further comment to make on Gary Mercer's future with the club."