On courier now

Wasn't Noble due to be leaving soon? Very surprised seeing as any new coach (and I doubt this would be Noble for any longer than the rest of the season) won't be able to make any changes to the squad.

Now on CourierHALIFAX’S Grand Final-winning coach Matt Calland has left the club today by “mutual consent”.

The shock announcement, only five days after Calland saw his side beaten 20-16 by Leigh in a dramatic Northern Rail Cup final, comes less than 48 hours before the club host York in a Co-operative Championship clash.

No reason has been given for the departure of the former Bradford Bulls player, with a joint statement saying only

Might be due to something with the franchise announcement. If we want somebody else in to start assembling our SL team or re-building for three more years in the Championship that would make sense. Not sure what Harrison has over Calland though if that turns out to be true. I suppose they were concerned that he might win the Grand Final this year and they would be faced with sacking a coach that just won a final.

Biggest load of guff I ever read in my whole life!

Hate it when people write things before you!!

Im in shock. Especially so close to the Franchise announcement and so soon after Blackpool. Did his contract really run out at the end of this season? I mean anyone with any sense when asked to take a drop in wages like he was at the begining of the year would have re-negotiated extra length on to his contract. The players appear to be shocked and gutted which makes you assume its the boards decision so i guess they should really explain to people what as gone on because it would have been so easy to get rid earlier in the season.

Ive not always been his biggest fan but his record speaks for itself and we play the best brand of rugby in this division which is always exciting to watch one way or another. If we got in to SL i wouldnt have minded him taking a shot at stepping up but maybe both these things were never destined to happen.

www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/h ... _1_3608538 shocked!!!!! make of it what you will

www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/h ... _1_3608538 shocked!!!!! make of it what you will

did not expect this. i thought we was hopefully due to sign a player or 2 until the end of the season?

I think as a thank you to Matt for everything he has done for this club. we should get in a big round of Matt Calland's Barmy Army!

Didn't see this one coming . Surprised by both the news and timing. Strange

What the hell is going on? Why now? Ball in charge on Sunday is this some kind of joke?

“Matt’s period as coach has been one of the most successful in the club’s history".

Amen to that. Let's see us now lambast the next 4 coaches we have and realize that actually Matt was a winner.

Good luck Matt. Thanks for an absolutely memorable last 5 years. Thanks for the champagne rugby and thanks for putting a trophy in our cabinet.

So long fella

Timing............................

It's either of Tommy Cooper proportions (if next week is positive news) or Les Denis if not.