Mark McCall has resigned as Ulster coach following his side's crushing 32-14 defeat to Gloucester at Ravenhill on Friday. He has been under increasing pressure following recent results and Gloucester's four-try first half display in the province's opening Heineken Cup match compounded that.

The 39-year-old officially tendered his resignation to the Ulster board last night, having been in the job since the summer of 2004.

In a statement, McCall said he was privileged to have coached the province that he had also played for.

"Over the last three and a half years it has been an absolute privilege for me to have been coach of the Ulster rugby team. 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.

"During my time I have received fantastic support from the Ulster Branch and I am grateful to have worked with a very professional management team who have become friends as well as colleagues. I believe the time is right for someone else to take the team forward and I would like to wish all concerned every success in the future."

Ulster Rugby chief executive Michael Reid paid a warm tribute to the former Ireland centre and said the resignation was accepted with "regret".

Steve Williams has taken charge of team affairs with immediate effect as the province look to lift themselves off the foot of the Magner's League table and rectify their disappointing start to the European Cup.

"The poor results this season have been very difficult for us all and ultimately have brought us to where we are today, however, I believe strongly that the following is recorded," said Reid this morning.

"Mark McCall has been an outstanding committed Coach for Ulster, meticulous in his preparation he endeavoured to create an environment of empowerment for the players. During his three years in the job, 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 the player identification and hard work of Mark and Allen Clarke."

"Over the weekend, one Sunday one paper quite rightly stated: 'If Mark McCall came into work any earlier he would meet himself leaving' - his drive, passion and enthusiasm for Ulster Rugby is immense."

"Mark McCall took on this job at a time when there was little money available in comparison to England and France with their owners and major commercial backing. He has worked hard to deliver a competitive team on what has not been a level playing field."

"The undoubted highlight of Mark's tenure as coach was our Celtic League win in 2006, such a success over a full season of rugby was a remarkable feather in his cap, and a personal success of which he was justifiably proud."

"I have had the pleasure of watching Mark McCall grow from Ulster player to assistant coach to head coach, and would thank him personally and on behalf of the Chairman and the PTMC for his time with Ulster Rugby."

"The Professional Team Management Committee will now commence the process of recruitment for a permanent coach."

McCall captained Ulster during the early part of their European Cup winning campaign in 1999 before a neck injury forced him to retire prematurely.

He immediately joined the Ulster coaching staff, assisting head coach Harry Williams during the rest of that season and throughout the next.  Duiring this period he was also coaching club side Ballynahinch.

He stayed with Ulster during Alan Solomons' tenure and assisted Ireland A coach Matt Williams for two seasons. He was appointed as the Ireland U21 coach at the start of the 2003-04 season and took up his current role with Ulster Rugby in July 2004.