GATESHEAD Thunder have parted company with head coach Richard Pell after a disastrous start to the Co-operative Championship 1 season.

Thunder are bottom of the table, having failed to win a single game so far this year, and Pell leaves by mutual consent just six months after moving to the North-East from Castleford.

"I would like to thank Gateshead Thunder for the opportunity and wish them all the best for the future," said Pell.

Gateshead director of rugby Chris Hood said: "We are now over halfway through the season and the results haven't been in the best interests for both parties."

Assistant coach Tim Rumford will be in charge for Sunday's home game with South Wales Scorpions.