* Click here to sign up to free email news and sport alerts from Kippax Today.

The Royals are seeking a new figure at the helm following the decision of Tony Handforth to step down, and the continued indisposition of his proposed successor Danny Bolton.

* Click here to become a fan of Kippax Today on Facebook.

Handforth, a founder of the club two years ago, suffered a stroke at the beginning of November and has not yet recovered sufficiently to take pre-season training.

* Click here for latest news in Kippax and Methley.

The former Wakefield Trinity coach guided the side to the CMS Yorkshire League Division Four title in its first campaign and the squad, with Terry Crosthwaite and Ernie Skerrett in the caretaker role for much of the season, finished a creditable third in Division Two last time.

Vice-chairman Phil Hodgson told Kippax Today: "Tony Handforth has done a magnificent job for the Royals, and the club will always be grateful to him for his tremendous input in our formative years.

"We're sorry that he isn't quite fit enough to remain in charge but there will always be a place for him at Methley, perhaps in an advisory role to the coaching staff."

Methley, based on the outskirts of Castleford, train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

* Applicants should contact Secretary Simon Adamson on 077 3608 6238 or Hodgson on 077 8698 0909.