Mike Abbott replaces Neil Kelly as Cornwall head coach

Mike Abbott (right) was Neil Kelly's assistant at Cornwall this year

Mike Abbott has taken over as Cornwall's head coach after Neil Kelly left the role at the League One side.

Abbott, 44, was assistant to Kelly last season as the Choughs finished second-from-bottom in their inaugural season, with one win from 20 matches.

He replaces former Widnes and Dewsbury boss Kelly, 60, who has opted not to return for the 2023 League One season.

St Helens-born coach Abbott moved to Cornwall in 2016 and coached development side Cornish Rebels.

"I feel that we are really building something special here in Cornwall and although at times last year it was a tricky environment to be involved in because of the results, the boys kept turning up week after week, pulling on the jersey and looking to improve," Abbott told the club website.

• Kelly becomes Cornwall's first head coach

"Neil was absolutely class last year and really good for me," he added.

"I went along to the player trial back in January and it would have been easy for Neil not to use me as we had some big characters in our dressing room last year.

"But he did and I thoroughly enjoyed working under Neil and had some good feedback from the players.

"He has said that he is on the end of the phone if I need him at all next season and that is a measure of the man."

Kelly's departure came after just one win last season - against West Wales Raiders in June - after building a side from scratch last winter.

"This decision was 100% amicable between both parties and Neil leaves with our very best wishes going forward," the club said.

"He was handed the task of leading Cornwall into our first-ever professional season and built a side and a squad from scratch in a very short period of time that evolved as 2022 progressed.

"Neil provided the club with stability during its infancy and laid firm foundations which we know will be built upon in years to come."