ROHAN Smith has revealed he had to leave Odsal because he felt his ideas did not match those of the new club owners.

The Australian called time on his eight-month coaching stint on Tuesday after meeting with Andrew Chalmers and Graham Lowe.

Smith's sudden exit came as a huge shock to fans and the remaining players after he had remained such a positive figure through the club's administration.

But in an honest interview with the T&A, he felt it was best for all parties to go their separate ways after hearing what his new bosses had to say.

Smith said: "It's been a tumultuous eight weeks through this transition of the new ownership. I guess no-one knew what to expect on a daily basis.

"I'm very open-minded. Obviously my ambition and intention was to stick around and that's why I've done my best to keep a positive front through the whole process.

"I had been looking to see what the plan was, have a conversation and see where it went.

"But having spent a bit of time with the new ownership in discussion, we clearly weren't compatible and it was certainly in my best interests and that of my family to take ourselves out of contention.

"I love the club and I have done since I was 14 when the Bulls started and I was on the terraces, so I was committed towards staying. But the circumstances have changed drastically. I needed to take care of my family and make sure we were happy in our environment."

Smith was in charge for only 20 games after succeeding Jimmy Lowes in May. He follows a host of players out of the door and more are expected to follow – Dane Chisholm, who was close to the former coach, announced his exit this morning.

Smith, who will return to Australia with his family, sent a group e-mail to the players yesterday morning to outline his plans and reflected: "I think it's a good time for those guys to try and take care of their futures.

"Obviously ten or 11 guys have already gone on to mostly Super League opportunities. I believe the club are looking to get people signed up, which will be great for those guys to secure their futures.

"You can't blame people for leaving at all. Those guys are ambitious and want to play at the highest level. They've taken that opportunity. In some cases they've got themselves an extension, an upgrade as well as the chance to play in the Super League.

"I wish every one of those players all the best. And all the guys that stay to play with the club, I hope they do well and have a productive season."

Yet Smith has no regrets for making the Bulls his first post as head coach – or deciding to stay put through the winter while the turmoil raged off the field.

"I was very committed towards sticking it out and seeing how things worked out with the new ownership," he said.

"Obviously it's taken a little bit longer than people were hoping but it certainly wasn't time wasted for me. I've learned a lot and I've made a lot of fantastic friendships with staff and players and obviously connected with a lot of fans.

"It's been productive as a coach and as a person I've certainly developed in the last few months. I definitely don't regret it. I've enjoyed the experience and learned more in eight months than most coaches do in a long time.

"Coaching is a tough gig. All different obstacles get thrown at you during the time and I've experienced quite a few in a short period.

"I haven't been in control of what's happening with the process of administration, ceasing to trade and the new owners. That's been nothing to do with me, so I haven't felt too much stress about that stuff.

"I've just been more concerned about trying to be a positive influence on the players and staff through tough times. That's what I've focused on."