The Wests Tigers will begin their search for a third head coach in as many years with Potter’s former assistant David Kidwell and the Tigers’ under-20s chief Todd Payton also in the mix along with St Helens mentor Nathan Brown.

The decision not to renew the 50-year-old’s contract brings the curtain down on a difficult stint for Potter who seemed to be fighting to save his job from the moment he was appointed in October 2012.

Potter fronted the Tigers board last week to outline his plans but it wasn’t enough to save him from the axe.

‘‘This has been a difficult decision for everyone involved but one the club believes is in the best interests of a successful future for Wests Tigers,’’ Mayer said in a statement.

‘‘Clearly there will be many disappointed fans as, to his credit, Mick has developed a strong following here.

‘‘However, we ask that you trust that we have made this decision in the interests of a stronger, unified club, following a rigorous and fair process.

‘‘Mick Potter had been given three opportunities over the past six weeks to address the board and present his vision and plan going forward.

‘‘Taking this into account, the Wests Tigers board and management agree that a fresh approach is needed and the club will immediately begin a process to identify leading candidates for the role.’’

Potter has maintained his dignity in admirable fashion throughout his turbulent tenure, played out amidst a back-drop of ownership and financial battles in the boardroom.

But ultimately just 17 victories from 48 games - a win ratio of less than 36 per cent - proved to be his downfall.

A lengthy injury list in the back-end of this season derailed an excellent start to 2014 that had produced wins over South Sydney, Manly and North Queensland.

But relations started to turn sour when negotiations between the coach and the club over a new contract were put on hold mid-season.

They reached crisis point in July when former Brisbane captain Gorden Tallis claimed skipper Robbie Farah told him he did not rate Potter as a coach.

The former NSW fullback was no stranger to difficult situations when he arrived at the Tigers, having just left a Bradford team in the UK that were struggling to be paid by cash-strapped owners.He walked in to a club still reeling from the acrimonious departure of premiership-winning coach Tim Sheens - an exit that resulted in the Test coach taking legal action against his former employers.

A slow start to his reign soon led to signs of disgruntlement amongst the Tigers squad with prop Aaron Woods claiming Potter was too intense and superstar playmaker Benji Marshall left fuming after being dumped to the bench for a clash with Souths.

Marshall’s ill-fated exit to New Zealand rugby gave Potter the chance to exert his influence to greater effect in his second season with a number of outstanding juniors making their mark in the NRL.

Halfback Luke Brooks, fullback James Tedesco, back-rower Curtis Sironen and winger David Nofoaluma all flourished under Potter until injury ended their seasons.

With the club giving him no guarantees about his future Potter fought manfully to keep his job.B

ut as the casualty list mounted so did the defeats and six straight losses almost certainly sealed his fate before Wednesday’s less than surprising announcement. AAP