STRUGGLING Widnes Vikings have parted company with coach Denis Betts after eight seasons at the club.
The Vikings are currently at the foot of the Super League table, with last Friday's disappointing home defeat by Wakefield Trinity leaving them a massive task to avoid the Middle 8s and a relegation battle for the second year running.
Betts joined the club in November 2010 when they were still in the Championship, and was in charge when they were awarded their Super League licence in 2012.
There have been successes, with the club finishing in the play-offs and reaching the Challenge Cup semi final in 2014.
They also had a strong start to 2016.
But is has been a struggle for two years, made worse by the loss of linchpin Kevin Brown to Warrington, without adequate replacement.
But this year - not helped by injuries to key men - they have struggled and with the crowd voting with their feet and the table looking stark, it looks like a big call had to be made.
It is understood that Francis Cummins will take over the coaching duties for the time being.
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