Jon Ellis Axed By West Wales Raiders After Record Defeat

West Wales Raiders RLFC have parted company with head coach Jon Ellis three days after their record 144-0 defeat by York City Knights.

Ellis leaves with the Raiders bottom of Betfred League 1 just five games into the season having already conceded over 400 points.

They conceded 25 tries in the defeat at York on Sunday and face Bradford at Odsal this weekend with Phil Carleton in temporary charge.

Club chairman Andrew Thorne said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions the board and myself have had to make.

“Jon has been a stalwart of the club and has helped the club grow since it started in Mynydd y Garreg; however, where we are now and where we need to be are miles apart.

“Jon is a fantastic coach and has been involved in the development of so many young players for the past eight years – some of which are in Super League today.

“But what the club needs at the moment is more than a coach; we have to change the culture that is embedded in rugby league in Wales and to do that we need to look for someone who can manage players as well as coach them.

”Changes like this are not nice for all involved and although Mr Ellis is not directly involved in the first team, I hope everyone respects the work and effort he has put in to make sure rugby league in Wales is still visible.

”I personally would like to thank Jon for everything I have learned from him and hope he will remain involved in the club in the future. “