FORMER Bulls captain Leon Pryce has been sacked as coach of Workington Town.

Pryce had been in his second season at the helm, having taken the League One club within 80 minutes of promotion to the Championship last season.

He leaves with Town seventh in the table, with three wins and three defeats.

A club statement read: "Following discussions between Leon Pryce and the board of Workington Town it has been agreed that Leon is to be relieved of his duties as head coach."

Club chairman Les Smallwood said: "We wish to thank Leon for his hard work and commitment over the last couple of years.

"Leon has been a credit to the club and has raised the profile of Workington Town who narrowly missed out on promotion last season, especially in the last game against Swinton with a depleted squad.

"Leon has introduced very high levels of professionalism and for that we are grateful."

Pryce led Workington to two wins over the Bulls last season before John Kear's side beat them in the play-off final.

Bradford-born Pryce said: "While there is a tinge of disappointment, the last couple of years has been a great learning curve and I've enjoyed the experience of being thrown in at the deep end as head coach and enjoyed working with all of the players and coaching staff whom I wish to thank for their unstinting support.

"I believe I leave the club in a much stronger state especially with a group of committed players who deserve success the remaining part of the 2019 season."

The former Great Britain international lost his last match in charge, the West Cumbrian derby against Whitehaven, on Good Friday.

Club captain Ollie Wilkes will take charge of the team for this weekend’s trip to his former club Keighley Cougars.