Paul Cullen has left his role as director of rugby at Widnes Vikings, the Stobart Super League club have announced.

Cullen, a former Warrington Wolves coach, joined Widnes in March 2009 as head coach, with a view to preparing the club's rugby department for a Super League licence application.

They received one last summer and have just completed their first season back in the top flight, finishing bottom, under the leadership of Denis Betts who was appointed when Cullen took up his new position.

“I have enjoyed my time at Widnes and the time is now right for me to move on. I hope I have played my part in a revolution and it is now time for the Vikings to evolve,” he said.

“I believe that my objectives have been met, which were to win a trophy, win a licence, change from part-time to full-time professionalism and to deliver Super League to the supporters of the Widnes Vikings after six years in the Championship."