Cats axe Mac

STEVE PAYS PRICE FOR DRAGONS' LACK OF FIRE

- DAVE CRAVEN

CATALANS are searching for a new coach after Steve McNamara's departure.

The ex-England boss, 53, saw his time in Perpignan draw to a close yesterday after a difficult start to the campaign.

He had been Super League's longestserving coach after spending almost eight years with the Dragons, but, sitting eighth with just five wins, a decision was taken to part ways.

The club had still yet to announce McNamara's exit last night, but a number of sources confirmed he had left Stade Gilbert Brutus and assistant coach Joel Tomkins is expected to take charge on an interim basis when Catalans host Wigan on Saturday.