Batley Bulldogs head coach Mark Moxon stands down 'for the benefit of the club'

Moxon worked under John Kear and Craig Lingard before taking the reins ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Batley finished 10th in his debut year – winning 11 matches along the way – but are just two points off the bottom as this season approaches its halfway mark.

"Recent performances have forced me to make a difficult decision," said Moxon in a statement.

"I appreciate the respect that the club, Kevin (Nicholas, chairman) and Paul (Harrison, chief executive) have towards me and the loyalty that they will continue to show and so feel it necessary to step down from my role as head coach for the benefit of the club.

"Fourteen seasons is a long time and I feel I have given everything I can. A different voice, a different direction will hopefully change this season's fortunes around.

"I'd like to thank all the players that have given so much for this club during my time here as a coach. I have total respect for every one of them. I'd also like to thank all the staff I've worked under and all those who worked for me last season and this.

"To all the directors, volunteers and fans, I appreciate all the support and what you all do for Batley Bulldogs.

"I feel honoured to have been part of the Bulldog family for so long and will miss the slope and the many other quirks this club has. I wish the club all the best for the future."

Assistant coach Jaymes Chapman and senior player Ben Kaye will oversee Friday's trip to Bradford Bulls before the Bulldogs begin the search for Moxon's successor.

Nicholas stressed that there was no pressure from the club on Moxon's position prior to his decision to stand down.

"This is not to do with the board making that decision," said Nicholas. "It's totally Mark's decision and I'm disappointed he's leaving the club.

"He's been a big part of this club. He came with John Kear in 2012 and has been involved in a Grand Final in 2013, Middle 8s in 2016, the 1895 Cup final and the Grand Final at Leigh. That's a pretty impressive CV in my book.

"We're desperately disappointed that he's leaving but he feels that it's in his family's best interests and the club's best interests that he stands down and see if the team can get a new voice."