HELSTON coach Niall Devonish has resigned from his post after what he described as an “impossible situation” developed at the club.

Devonish decided to stand down after a disagreement with the chairman LJ Collick, who he claims brought in coaches to assist with the first team without consultation.

“The chairman liaised with them regarding training and it was clear that they were not going to treat me with respect. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression,” said Devonish.

“It’s an impossible situation and with a heavy heart I decided to stand down. I feel as though I’ve done a good job in the last two seasons and I think the chairman’s actions were inappropriate.

“I spoke to him about it but it became clear that the two parties had become entrenched in their own views, so although I’m very disappointed, I was left with no choice.”

Collick dismissed the accusation that his actions were “inappropriate”, adding that he had kept Devonish in the loop throughout the process of introducing more coaches to the set-up.

“We found some resources within the club who were willing to help out Niall. We have been treading water for a while now in terms of results and something needed to change, whether that was with or without him.”

Collick has recruited Navy prop John Court and Steve Barber, a coach with Welsh side Bargoed, who is working in Helston until February.

Paul Duval, last year’s successful Colts coach, has also come on board to help with team administration.

Collick himself will also help with the coaching, having retired from playing at the end of last season.

He added: “It’s about seeing the bigger picture and doing what is best for the club. Since the guys have come in to help, the mood in the camp has changed. We had no intention of pushing Niall out but he decided he didn’t want the help.”

Devonish will continue to coach the under-13s and also oversee the county trials at under-18 and under-15 level.