Mark McCall today resigned as head coach at Ulster after 3½ years at the helm. His position had been under intense scrutiny following Friday night's 32-14 defeat at home to Gloucester in the Heineken Cup opening pool game.

The 39-year-old failed to attend a post-match press conference which only fuelled claims of his impending departure, and the Ulster confirmed they had accepted McCall's resignation at Ravenhill this morning with "regret".

Chief executive Michael Reid paid tribute to McCall, who led Ulster to the Celtic League title in 2006 and for giving the players a chance to gain international recognition for their countries. "The poor results this season have been very difficult for us all and ultimately have brought us to where we are now," he said. "However Mark has been an outstanding, committed coach for Ulster.

"He took on this job at a time when there was little money available in comparison to England and France and worked hard to deliver a competitive team on what has not been a level playing field. The undoubted highlight of Mark's tenure was our Celtic League win, such a success over a full season of rugby was a remarkable feather in his cap, and a personal one of which he was justifiably proud.

"Nine players received international recognition, a greater number of new caps than at any stage since the game turned professional and an achievement which was down to his hard work and player identification."

McCall said it had been an "absolute privilege" to be coach of the Ulster team but insisted it was time to hand over the reins to somebody else. "Winning the Celtic League two seasons ago was a huge highlight and it has been very rewarding to watch the Ulster representation in the Irish squad rise year on year," he said. "But now I believe the time is right for someone else to take the team forward and I would wish all concerned every success in the future."

The former Ireland centre captained Ulster during the early part of their European Cup-winning campaign in 1999 before a neck injury forced him to retire prematurely from the game. He was immediately drafted into the coaching set-up and then worked with Ireland A and Ireland Under-21s before being named Ulster boss in July 2004. McCall's competitive record as Ulster coach reads as won 26, drawn two and lost 33.