Rugby, Australian Football: Widnes sack Kelly

Neil Kelly, Super League coach of the year in 2002, has been sacked by Widnes Vikings.

The Vikings terminated the contract of Kelly in the wake of Saturday night's 56-8 thrashing by Wigan, their fourth successive defeat which leaves them in danger of relegation.

Widnes have won just four of their 17 matches this season and held crisis talks earlier in the season after losing their opening five games.

In a statement, the club said: "Widnes have parted company with Neil Kelly with immediate effect. Caretaker arrangements are being discussed and the club intend to make a full-time appointment as soon as possible."

Kelly, who recently stepped down as Wales national coach, has been in charge of Widnes for three years and guided them to promotion in 2001.

He is the second coach to be sacked this season, following Castleford's decision to part company with Graham Steadman.

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