Whitehaven's first priority after their relegation to League One is to appoint a new coach for the 2017 season.

The board of directors met last night to discuss the three names who are still in the frame after earlier interviews.

But whoever is appointed to run the team will have to put together his squad on half the budget the club has had in place for the current campaign, which ends on Sunday.

Director Mark Stamper said: “That’s going to be the hard part, finding the coach who can operate with those restrictions and put together a competitive squad.

“We have had to plan for the worst case scenario of being relegated, so we are not starting from scratch.

"Now we know our fate and where we will be playing we have to get on with the job of appointing a coach who can bring a team together.”

The 20-18 defeat at Oldham condemned Whitehaven to relegation alongside county neighbours Workington Town, and it’s possible the third Cumbrian club Barrow will still be playing their rugby in the third tier next term.

“Pulling a squad together is going to be tough,” said Stamper.

“We are out on a limb in Cumbria, not like clubs in Lancashire and Yorkshire where there are an abundance of players to pick up.

“Even the best amateurs in our area seem happy enough to stay with their local club without wanting to turn professional.

“We know we are going to lose players, with other clubs showing interest, so there’s a big task waiting for whoever we appoint.

“Next season in League One, we have Toronto coming in, having spent lots of money on a squad which has been put together to win promotion, just as Toulouse have this season.

"So, in many ways, we are all playing for just one more promotion place."

Ahead of Haven’s final game of the campaign, at home to Swinton on Sunday, Stamper praised the loyalty and support of the fans.

He said: “Despite the season we’ve had, the supporters have been magnificent and I know their backing is appreciated by the players and the club.

“A lot of them travelled to Oldham on Sunday and got behind the lads. It was just a shame we didn’t quite pull it off."