STRUGGLING Yorkshire Carnegie, who are third from bottom in the Greene King IPA Championship, insist that Gary Mercer has not been dismissed as head coach.

However, they have confirmed that they have been in detailed talks with the former Bulls player and that, as happened earlier this season,

forwards coach Tommy McGee – formerly of Wharfedale – will be in charge for the British & Irish Cup pool games which cover the next three weeks.

The club's statement reads: "Yorkshire Carnegie have looked to clarify the position of head coach Gary Mercer. The club wishes to make it clear that Gary has not been dismissed from his position.

"The board are naturally disappointed with the start we have made to the season and we are working hard to ensure that an immediate improvement is made and sustained following the draw with Plymouth Albion on Friday night.

"As part of this ongoing process, we have held detailed discussions with Gary.

"We now enter a spell of three weeks of British & Irish Cup pool games and, as per the last period of games in this competition, Tommy McGee will take charge of team affairs while the board, under the stewardship of Sir Ian McGeechan, look to resolve the best way forward for the club."