Whitehaven RLFC have been taken out of special measures by the Rugby Football League after four months.

Confirmation was received that the RFL was happy with the new structures introduced at the Recreation Ground club.

Chairman Tom Todd said: “We are naturally delighted that this strict period imposed on us during the summer has now been lifted.

"It’s part of the new feel-good factor at the club and we can go forward again, building a solid foundation for the future.

“What it means is that we can start supporting our new coach Gary Charlton in his efforts to recruit a competitive squad for the League One season.

"We haven’t been able to sign on new players since June but that hasn’t meant Gary has been unable to talk to potential new recruits.

“I think the fans can expect some news on the additions to the squad over the next few weeks.”

The chairman said he had to give special thanks to people at the club who had played significant roles in working with the RFL to remove special measures – Mark Stamper, Andrew Canavan, Barry Richardson and Michael Wood.

“I’d also like to say a special thanks, too, to Karen Moorhouse and Rob Graham.”

Meanwhile, Whitehaven have announced that utility player Stuart Howarth has been released from the second year of his contract.

Howarth has linked up with ex-Whitehaven player-coach Carl Forster at Rochdale Hornets and, although still under contract at the Recreation Ground, has been allowed to move.

Todd said: “It was mutually agreed between the two clubs that Stuart could join Rochdale and we wish him all the very best at the Hornets.

“I will never forget Stuart’s pin-point cross kick for the corner which gave Danny Green the try and set up Dan Abram for that winning, touchline conversion against Workington Town at Derwent Park.

“It was a superb, accurate kick and enabled us to complete a double over our local rivals.”