THE team manager of a troubled rugby league club has quit amid claims on social media that he was set to lose his job anyway.

Des Byrne has resigned from Whitehaven Rugby League just two days after the departure of head coach, Jonty Gorley, who stepped down following Sunday’s 28-24 victory over Doncaster.

It was announced yesterday that Super League star Kyle Amor would take over Gorley’s position as head coach at the club.

Posting on the Whitehaven RL Vice Presidents Facebook page, Byrne claimed that he had heard he was ‘getting sacked’, which Whitehaven Rugby League has since denied.

Byrne wrote: “After Jonty left I thought long and hard about continuing in my voluntary role as Team Manager. I decided I would to support the players till the end of the season.

“It’s with a heavy heart I’m sad to say I’m stepping away from the role. Its’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 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.”

In response, Whitehaven Ruby League posted: “The club are very saddened to hear our long standing team manager Des Byrne has decided to leave the club.

“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.”

Whitehaven Rugby League revealed the club was in ‘dire straits’ financially and was struggling with poor fan attendance on match days, earlier this month.

Barry Morgan resigned as CEO in June and a number of directors have also stepped down from their roles.