Things have taken a twist for Whitehaven Rugby League Club when their long-standing team manager stood down, and the players refused to play.

Team Manager Des Byrne took to the Whitehaven RL Vice President’s Facebook page to explain his resignation.

In the post, Des Byrne wrote: “It’s with a heavy heart I’m sad to say I’m stepping away from the role. It’s a role I’ve thoroughly enjoyed over the years. I’ve met some great players and coaches, had lots of laughs and made friendships that last.

“The last three years have been the most difficult and eventually people reap what they sow in the way they treat their fellow humans.

“Thanks to everyone I have had the pleasure of working with over the years and to all supporters for the support you give the team.

“I wish Kyle (Amor) all the best in his position and hope the lads go on to prove that they are not a League One team. I’ll be on the terraces cheering them on.”

A spokesperson for the club issued a response saying: “The club are very saddened to hear our long-standing team manager Des Byrne has decided to leave the club.”

Tackling the rumours surrounding Des Byrne’s departure the club continued: “The rumours are completely unfounded and Des is and was an integral part of the playing squad. Des’s role involves a lot of logistics which he has managed with the utmost professionalism.

“Des was part of ours and Kyle’s future plans- which had only just been discussed this morning. We are sorry to see you go Des and we wish you well on whatever comes next.”

The Herdwick News has contacted Whitehaven Rugby League Football Club for further comment on this.

This comes on the back of coach Jonty Gorley’s resignation on Sunday, August 18, after the club’s 28-24 victory over Doncaster and the appointment of former Super League player Kyle Amor as his replacement.

Earlier in the month CEO Les Messenger had explained the club’s financial situation on August 7 with the announcement revealing that they owed £8,000 in taxes and £14,000 to the players, with just two Directors at the club.

The club then announced the return of former directors Dennis Bullock, Terry Barry, Gary Eilbeck, Barry Morgan, Dave Pennington and Grant Taylor with long-term supporter and volunteer Tommy Johnson also joining.

Then late on Tuesday, August 20, new coach Kyle Amor announced that the players had decided to not fulfil the remaining six fixtures of the season.

In an interview with Whitehaven RL Amor said: “Things have materialised over the last 24 hours that have made a lot of the current people unable to work with the board here at Whitehaven Rugby League.”

He added he has arrived with “no performance staff, team managers” and after a conversation with the players they are “fully united in that they will not play any remaining fixtures.”

Talking about his position Amor added: “If things can be salvaged and the players agreed to play, I would be willing to coach them – 100 per cent.

“There wasn’t another coach in the land that would come up given where they’re at. Being from here and what the town means to me, what Cumbrian means to me, what were my choices?

“It was either that or the lads would find it very difficult to reach the level of performance. If it can be resolved, of course I’ll continue.”

The club has no fixture this weekend with fans calling for a meeting to try and resolve the issues at the club before the next fixture at Dewsbury Rams on August 25 with the clubs occupying the bottom two places.

The Herdwick News has contacted Whitehaven Rugby League Football Club for further comment on this.