HEAD coach Paul Rowley has rocked Leigh Centurions by handing in his resignation less than a fortnight before the 2016 Championship season kicks off.
The 40-year-old, who took the helm in 2012, guided Leigh to the Championship title twice in two years.
However, despite a good Challenge Cup run, Leigh won just one game in the Middle Eight Qualifiers in 2015 and missed out on a place in Super League.
Rowley's statement read: "It is with a heavy heart I have decided to resign as coach.
"My reasons for leaving are personal and I will not comment further in public or in private."
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Leigh Centurions, Club Owner Derek Beaumont said: “It’s a very sad day for Leigh Centurions and it is certainly not something that we wanted or expected to happen.
"It is still sinking in and I would have preferred time to pass but inevitable media pressure requires the club to respond officially in order to remove any speculation."
“Paul is a personal friend and has been a great servant to the Club as a player and more recently as a coach, achieving success in both roles.
“Whilst we are extremely disappointed and shocked we wish Paul Rowley well and I hope our fans will do the same. He is a proud, passionate man and deserves the utmost respect which he will always receive from me personally.
“I have spoken to the coaching staff and players and obviously it is a shock to all concerned and it is early days. At this moment that group is being led by Neil Jukes and I am assured will remain focused on achieving our goals.
“Neither I nor the Club will be commenting further on this matter.”
Paul Rowley, in charge of his final Leigh game at Warrington Wolves on Sunday. Picture: Mike Boden
Very surprised Paul Rowley has resigned this close to the new season! #LeighCenturions
— Stuart Finch (@StuartF1984) January 28, 2016
Paul Rowley resigning as Leigh coach a week before the new season. Something big must have happened.
— James Williams (@LoneDragoon90) January 28, 2016
Sad to hear the news about Paul Rowley @LeighCenturions I hope the personal reasons aren't too serious ... 🙏🏻🏉
— Paul highton (@Highto14) January 28, 2016
What a body blow to Leigh to lose Paul Rowley ahead of Championship start. Best coach in league because of open style they play. Amazing!
— Trevor Hunt (@TheTrevorHunt) January 28, 2016
Paul Rowley resigns from Leigh Centurions bit of a shock but he won't be out of a job for long #topcoach #RL
— ste stafford (@stestafford) January 28, 2016
Confirmation from @BBC of @LeighCenturions Paul Rowley's resignation #rugbyleague https://t.co/PxdCgcNXfl Wishing Paul well
— Debbie Knight (@debsknig) January 28, 2016
Possibly the most shocking coaching exit of all time as Paul Rowley resigns as Leigh Centurions coach! pic.twitter.com/ZiDBgBJXMe
— Serious About RL (@seriousaboutrl) January 28, 2016
Shocked that paul rowley has resigned. Would be a good coach for any club with is style of play
— Danny Dutson (@dannydutson9) January 28, 2016
Massive loss to @LeighCenturions that Paul rowley has resigned!!
— Mickey Emmott (@Mickeye6) January 28, 2016
@bailiffbullfan hearing paul rowley has resigned as coach 😬whats going on 😨
— tony mulcrow (@mandie_tony) January 28, 2016
No way Paul Rowley has resigned from Leigh! WOW! @TheLordJalapeno Because they couldn't sign Campbell I'm guessing.
— Calum Wilcock (@CalumWilcock) January 28, 2016
Can't understand why Paul rowley has resigned, though he did a good job myself. Somethings upset the apple cart.
— ⚒Boleyn 1904-2016⚒ (@86Seanie) January 28, 2016
Paul Rowley resigned???????? It really is #prayforleigh #destinationpennineleague
— Gledders (@gledders1983) January 28, 2016
Paul Rowley, left rear, in his playing days with Leigh Centurions
Early days as a Leigh Centurions coach
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