ALFIE HILL has been controversially replaced as head coach at York Acorn ARLC – despite overseeing the most successful spell in the club’s history.

Hill, who first joined the Thanet Road club as a player in 1977, yesterday saw his position given to ex-Featherstone Rovers, Doncaster and Hunslet forward Simon Tuffs, who is a former coach at fellow amateurs Featherstone Lions.

Acorn have now targeted a top-four finish in the National Conference League premier division next season – their highest-ever placing.

Hill had resigned due to personal circumstances at the end of last season but then said he would be able to continue.

According to the club, however, by the time he said those circumstances had changed, the process to find a new coach had begun and “could not be stopped”.

Secretary of the rugby committee Andy Grant has said they would like him to stay in some capacity, but Hill has been left angered by the affair and has claimed he would not go back to the club under the current regime.

Grant said: “Alfie resigned and we advertised the position. We had a number of applicants and we selected Simon.

“Alfie did not apply. The process of recruitment had started (by the time Hill said he would carry on) and it could not be stopped.”

He added: “I’ve got nothing but the utmost respect for Alf. He did an absolutely fantastic job.

“He was great for getting the best out of the players and motivating them. I still think there’s a role for him at the club. We want him to be part of the club.”

Hill had been at Acorn for the past 33 years – as player, player-coach, head coach and head of the rugby committee – barring two seasons coaching neighbours Heworth in the 2000s.

He took Acorn into amateur rugby league’s elite tier for the first-ever time two years ago, and then twice led them to the play-offs – both times defying critics who predicted relegation.

He said: “It seems they don’t want me now. I’m disappointed by it. At the moment, given the way I feel, I won’t go back while that committee is there. I’ve got no confidence in them.

“I’ve had a lot of good years at Acorn, especially the last few, making the play-offs when everyone was writing us off. I was looking forward to picking up silverware next season but that’s out of the window now.”

Tuffs, 42, led Featherstone Lions to National Cup glory, and to a Challenge Cup win over semi-pro club Doncaster, in a coaching career that has also included spells in junior rugby down under and with Featherstone Rovers’ Under-21s.

Grant said: “He was the best qualified candidate. He’s got good experience of playing professionally and he was successful at the Lions. He came across very well and he’s very keen.

“Alfie’s taken the club a big distance and we’re now looking at getting into the top four. Hopefully Simon is going to do that.”