Amanda Hewer is leaving Whitehaven Rugby League Club at the end of the month to take on a new job.

She was appointed the club’s general manager in 2015 at the same time as Tommy Todd, a lifelong supporter, became the club’s chairman.

Barry Richardson had stood down as a director and chief executive, with that role being replaced by one of general manager which was filled by Hewer.

Prior to that she had been the club’s community development officer from 2010.

Announcing her pending departure on Twitter she said: “Well, now that everyone that needs to know does and all’s confirmed, it's time to tell you all I am leaving Whitehaven RLFC on August 31.

“It has been the best 10 years and I can honestly say I have loved every minute of the crazy journey it’s been!

“But the time is right for me to move on now. Thank-you to everyone that has been there for me, both professionally and personally, and to the most loyal fans I could have wished for.”

Whitehaven have been planning changes in the way the club is run following the announcement of their financial difficulties and an appeal was launched to raise £60,000 plus.

But chairman Tommy Todd said that her departure was not a cost-cutting exercise by the club.

“It came out of the blue really and Amanda has been given the opporunity to take an exciting new job with a big company which offers her a new challenge.

“She has been with us for 10 years and been a valuable member of staff. We wish her all the very best in her new job.

“We are in the process of re-shaping how we run the club, and one of the things we have in mind is to appoint a commercial manager to boost club funds.

"We are on the lookout for the right person to fill that role and, as such, the position of general manager might not be filled,” he said.