Brian McDermott resigns as Featherstone Rovers head coach following shock defeat to Batley Bulldogs

The ex-Leeds Rhinos boss classed the campaign as a “failure” on Sunday after their West Yorkshire rivals triumphed 32-28 to book their spot in the Championship Grand Final, where they will face Leigh Centurions.

McDermott was named Rovers boss last autumn after James Webster departed from his role at Post Office Road. His appointment brought about much optimism following his success in Super League with Leeds as well as his record at the Toronto Wolfpack.

After a fine start to the season, which included a win over Leigh, Featherstone lost the 1895 Cup final to the Centurions and missed out on top spot in the Championship as they finished five points behind their league rivals.

Batley took a 20-6 lead into half time during Sunday’s play-off semi-final and despite a second-half rally from the hosts, Craig Lingard’s side kept themselves just out of reach to record a remarkable win.

“I came to the club with a clear objective to achieve promotion to Super League, an objective which unfortunately has not been achieved,” said McDermott.

"I feel my departure will give the club the opportunity to take a new direction and hopefully they will be able to build upon the progress made this year.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time coaching this group of players this season, they have always given me great support and I will watch with interest the progress I’m sure they will make in 23.

"I have respected greatly the club in my time here, it is a club steeped in tradition and has excellent facilities, with a strong supporter base, I look forward to seeing that development continue in the future.”

Chairman Mark Campbell added: “Brian has worked tremendously hard this year to achieve our promotion goal and we respect his decision after yesterday’s defeat to move on.

"I would like to place on record my thanks for his efforts and wish him all the best moving forward.”