Castleford Tigers have sacked head coach Danny McGuire after less than nine months in charge. The 42-year-old took over from Craig Lingard on a three-year deal in October, having previously been Lingard's assistant. The Tigers got off to a poor start to the season when they were beaten by Championship side Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup. Thursday's home defeat by fellow strugglers Huddersfield Giants was a 13th loss in 17 Super League games and chairman Martin Jepson called it "hugely disappointing" in the statement announcing McGuire's departure. Director of rugby Chris Chester has been placed in charge on an interim basis. "It has been a challenging season, but in particular, the result and performance in last week's game against Huddersfield were hugely disappointing for me and everybody involved with the club," Jepson said. "The board felt that a change of direction was therefore needed. "I would like to put on record my thanks to Danny for his hard work at the club over the past two years, both as an assistant and head coach, and I wish him well in the future."