Heworth Amateur Rugby League Club player-coach Brendan Carlyle is standing down at the end of the season.

Heworth man Alfie Hills will take over the reins as head coach and the gap will be filled by current Selby Warriors coach Kevin Fellows, with colleague Wayne Knight also joining the Elm Park Way coaching staff in an as yet unconfirmed capacity.

Carlyle and Heworth have struggled this season with injury blights having a major impact on performance and significantly reducing numbers to the extent that the 'A' team was almost axed last month.

And Carlyle now believes the time is right for a new face to take over the Heworth charge.

He said: "I have taken them through two and a half seasons and I think it's time for a change both for myself and also for them as well really so they can get a new voice in.

"You can only take a team for so long. It's also been difficult since Phil Sturdy packed it in last year. I have carried it on but I don't think I have been all that much help to Alfie.

"But I wish them all the best for next year."

Carlyle has yet to decide his personal future after dropping the coaching aspect of his role. His immediate target is being fit enough to play in the York International 9s in the summer.

And if he can hit that threshold, he may also consider starting the season on the playing staff at Heworth.

He added: "I snapped my Achilles tendon at the start of the season and I'm still struggling with fitness. I want to play in the York 9s again and if I can get back for that I might think about helping them out at the start of next season."

Selby Warriors, meanwhile, have launched a quest for new coaches.

Club secretary Andy Germaine said: "Kevin and Wayne are very popular at the club and we are all disappointed they are leaving.

"But they want to go on to bigger and better things and we wish them both the best of luck and would like to thank them for all their efforts."

Prospective coaches should call Germaine on 07961 001232.

Updated: 11:06 Thursday, March 18, 2004