Kelly has left the club "by mutual consent" in the wake of Rams' 58-12 home defeat by Division Two side Oldham in the Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth round two days ago.

The former Wakefield and Featherstone coach joined Rams in 2004, when they were second-bottom in National Two.

He steered them to the title in his third season in charge and they comfortably avoided the drop last term, but are currently bottom of Co-op National One and have lost all six league games so far.

Kelly met chairman Mark Sawyer yesterday afternoon and the former boss said today: "It's by mutual consent.

"I've sat down with the chairman and in the light of recent results it would appear that the best interests of the club would be served by a change at the helm."

Kelly added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the four-and-a-half years I've had with the club and I leave it in a better state than when I first arrived.

"I wish them well."

Sawyer described his meeting with Kelly as "a good chat".

He said: "I have given him 100 per cent support, but we had a meeting yesterday and between us we decided it may be as well for someone else to come in and have a go.

"We have parted on the best of terms. Andy has worked very, very hard and he has been very, very committed."

Sawyer – who admitted Sunday's loss was a decisive blow – is confident of bringing in a new boss within the next few days.

He said: "I'd like to think we'll have somebody in place by next week.

"I've not spoken to anybody at all at the moment, but I have got somebody in mind to speak to.

"I'm going to do that and hopefully we'll have somebody in very quickly."

Warren Jowitt will act as caretaker coach until a new boss is appointed.

Kelly's assistant Ryan Sheridan, a former Leeds and Castleford player, has also left the club.

Kelly said: "It's pretty tough on Ryan Sheridan, who is a young coach trying to make his way in the game. His technical ability is fantastic and I just hope someone gives him an opportunity."