Saddened Edwards sees Leeds reign end abruptly

All had seemed positive going into the summer for the Headingley club following a late-season flourish that gave them hope for a sustained promotion challenge next term.

But that growing harmony was thrown into turmoil yesterday with the news that the head coach of the last two years has left the club with immediate effect.

Director of rugby Chris Gibson will assume control of first-team affairs with the club not wanting to rush into an appointment.

Leeds say Edwards has resigned but gave no reason for his departure.

Edwards – who had one year left on his contract – was guarded about why the separation had come about but it is clear there was a breakdown of trust between the head coach and the club’s hierarchy.

Leeds have not been in a position as strong as this on the field since they last survived in the Premiership three years ago.

They won six games to storm into the Championship play-offs before losing narrowly over two legs to red-hot favourites Newcastle in the semi-final.

Ninety per cent of their playing staff have been retained for next season and they have been supplemented by four new signings.

But the players – who reported back for pre-season training earlier this week – are understood to have been left shocked by this latest development and had no inkling that Edwards was on his way.

Edwards said: “The job I have done over the last two years is a good one and the team I leave behind has a genuine chance of winning promotion.

“That’s the most important thing for me, that the club is in a good position.

“It’s just disappointing that I’m not going to be in a position to see the culmination of that work.

“But I am very proud of the achievement of the last two years.

“The players are a group who play for each other, for the coaching staff, and for the club.

“We have had our ups and downs over the two years but we have learnt some valuable lessons along the way.

“I spent the best part of 10 years at the club, so this is a very sad time for me.”

A relative novice when he succeeded Neil Back two years ago, Edwards stepped into the top job having been academy manager at the club he also played for.

Leeds under-achieved in their first season back as they battled debt and almost started again on the playing side by opting to utilise the strength of their academy rather than spend money they did not have.

Developing players has always been one of Edwards’ strengths, and after that shaky first season, his Leeds team appeared to be hitting their straps in the second half of the recent campaign.

It was not the easiest of seasons with Carnegie spending much of 2012-13 “on the road” as they looked to strengthen their support basis throughout Yorkshire. They also had to play home games elsewhere as the Headingley pitch was relaid.

The club made changes above and below Edwards. Gibson was brought across from the Leeds Rhinos, who operate alongside Carnegie under the umbrella of Leeds Rugby, last summer as the union club’s director of rugby.

Tommy McGee, a former Leeds prop, was recruited during the season to help with the forwards, who provided the platform for the expansive style of play that Edwards favours.

“I still believe I am a good coach and that my principles about how my teams play rugby are sound,” said Edwards yesterday as he came to terms with the decision.

“Now is a good opportunity for me to take stock, to see where I want to go next. I wish the club all the best for the future.”

Leeds’ chief executive Gary Hetherington said in a statement: “There are no immediate plans to appoint Diccon’s successor and we will take our time to make sure we make the right appointment to take us forward.

“The players reported back for pre-season training this week and the majority of their time in the next few weeks will be with the conditioning staff so there is no pressure to rush into an appointment.

“In the meantime, director of rugby Chris Gibson will oversee the rugby department working alongside the existing coaching staff.”

Leeds chairman Sir Ian McGeechan added: “I would like to thank Diccon for his effort and commitment to the club over the past two seasons. He is someone who has played an integral part in laying the foundations for our club. He leaves with our best wishes and gratitude.”