Castleford have confirmed that Lee Radford has been relieved of his duties as head coach by mutual consent.
The Tigers have failed to register a win so far in Super League this season, losing to Hull, St Helens and Wigan.
Radford said: “With the club and myself heading in different directions, I think making this early call will be the correct one. Hopefully, it can kick-start their season starting this Friday away at Huddersfield.
“I’d like to thank on record the fans, management, coaching staff, and players and wish them all the best for 2023 and beyond.”
Andy Last, who was Radford’s assistant, will take charge of the first team for Castleford’s game at Huddersfield on Friday night.
A club statement read: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Lee for his time in charge of the first team.
“The club’s board of directors will now begin the search for its next permanent head coach and would ask everyone to get behind Andy Last and the team in the interim period.”
Castleford are second bottom in the Super League table, sitting above Wakefield on points difference.
More on Lee Radford
Radford enjoyed a successful playing career, making more than 350 appearances for Bradford and boyhood club Hull.
The 43-year-old won two Super League Grand Finals with the Bulls as well as a Challenge Cup. He won five caps for England during his playing career.
Radford retired from playing in 2012 and then went into coaching. He spent seven years as head coach of Hull FC, guiding the club to back-to-back Challenge Cups in 2016 and 2017.
In June 2020, Radford joined Major League Rugby side Dallas Jackals as their defence coach – but the pandemic limited his opportunities to work with the club.
Radford returned to rugby league with Castleford in 2022. He was also part of Samoa’s backroom staff at last year’s World Cup, helping the Pacific Island to become the first-ever tier two nation to reach a Rugby League World Cup final.
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