James Webster: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats part company with coach

James Webster won nine of his 26 games in charge of Wakefield

Super League's bottom side Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have parted company with coach James Webster.

The Wildcats have lost 12 of their last 13 matches in all competitions and were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Championship leaders Leigh on Sunday.

The defeat led Webster, who took over at Belle Vue last June after Richard Agar's exit, to say he would have to think about his position at the club.

Wakefield are currently seven points adrift at the bottom of Super League.

Webster told the club website: "I felt now was the right time to allow someone else the opportunity to take the team forward. In taking this decision my hope is it will allow the club to fulfil its goal and remain in Super League."

Assistant coach Stuart Dickens has been placed in caretaker charge of the side for Sunday's home game against Widnes Vikings.

He will be looking to guide the club to their first league win since 15 February.

This season, teams finishing in the bottom four of Super League after 23 matches will go into a mini-league with the teams finishing in the top four of the second tier.

The top three will automatically enter the top flight for next season, while the teams in fourth and fifth will play a one-off game for the 12th place.

Chairman Michael Carter added: "It is with a heavy heart that I have today agreed the release of James Webster from his position of head coach.

"James rescued us last season from the threat of relegation and for that I am truly thankful. I wish James and his family every success and happiness in the future, and thank him for all his hard work in his four years here."