Western Force coach John Mitchell still hasn't told his players why he's stepping aside after the 2011 Super 14 season.

Mitchell caught the Force off guard on Wednesday when he informed chief executive Vern Reid he would not seek reappointment when his current deal expires.

The former All Blacks coach refused to reveal the reasons behind his decision during a tense media conference on Thursday and captain Nathan Sharpe said the players were also in the dark.

"No we haven't discussed it yet," Sharpe said on Friday ahead of Saturday night's clash with the Bulls in Perth.

"We'll have a chat about it after the game on the weekend.

"We don't want too many distractions going into the game."

Players had the day off on Wednesday and only found out about Mitchell's decision through media reports.

"It was difficult the way it unfolded, it was a day off and a decision John had probably been thinking about for a little bit at the time," Sharpe said.

"The timing was right for him I suppose.

"As I said before, (it's) not ideal (for the players to find out through the media) but it's something that all the players have dealt with and it's no problem for us.

"I think it (Mitchell's early decision) actually gives certainty because over the next 15 months there's going to be opportunity for the club to recruit very good coaches.

"It is a long way away until the end of 2011 so it's something that provides clarity for the club and clarity for John Mitchell.

"So it's a positive in that light and it hasn't had a bearing on this weekend's game."

The winless Force were dealt a further injury blow on Friday when in-form halfback Brett Sheehan was ruled out of the Bulls clash with a hamstring injury.

Flanker Sam Wykes (corked thigh) and hooker Ryan Tyrrell (neck) were already on the casualty list after picking up injuries in last week's 14-10 loss to the Waratahs, the pair joining Wallabies Cameron Shepherd (quad), Richard Brown (shoulder) and David Pocock (finger) on the sidelines.

"I can't believe it," Sharpe said of the injury situation.

"It's sort of got to the point where you come down to training and you are scratching your head at who's left.

"The guys who are coming in are quality players in their own right and it's just about gelling and getting that combination as quickly as we can."

Chris O'Young will replace Sheehan in the run-on side.

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