DAVE Duxbury has parted company with Keighley Rugby Union Club.

The club’s director of rugby admitted: “It was by mutual agreement, and it was the right thing to do.

“There was no animosity and it was decided over a coffee and a chat but both the club and myself agreed that it was not working.

“Both parties had come to the same understanding – myself, and Graeme Sheffield and one or two of the older heads at Keighley – but we have parted on good terms.”

Duxbury, whose son Jake plays for Keighley’s first team at full back, took over before the start of the 2017-18 season, helping to guide the Rose Cottage side to ninth place in Yorkshire Division One with a total of 54 points from 25 matches.

However, this season Keighley are next to bottom with only 11 points so far from 10 matches.

Duxbury, who had previously been at the helm when Baildon, West Park Leeds and Skipton were promoted, also taking Baildon to successive RFU Junior Vase finals at Twickenham, added: “I wish Keighley all the best in their fight against relegation but I don’t think I will be there this weekend when they play at home to Hullensians, even though it is a vital game.

“However, I hope to be down for the home match against Dinnington on December 15.

“As for the future, I want to take a few weeks off but I have already had calls from three different clubs.”

Duxbury, who is heavily involved in White Rose Rugby as their rugby development officer, coaching junior players in schools and clubs, will be replaced as Keighley’s director of rugby by Danny McGee, who was in the post immediately before the former RFU community coach took over at Rose Cottage.