Under-siege Salford City coach Shaun McRae has been given a month off on medical advice as he attempts to overcome an undisclosed illness.

The 51-year-old Australian, who was jeered by fans following the Super League club's crushing home defeat at the hands of St Helens 12 days ago, has been told to take a break and given a sick note for four weeks.

With assistant coach Phil Veivers also unavailable after returning home to Australia following a bereavement, director of rugby Steve Simms and former captain Malcolm Alker will be in charge of the Reds for Friday's home game against Wigan.

"Shaun will be absent due to medical advice for the next month and the club wish him a speedy recovery," the Reds said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

"Director of football Steve Simms and assistant coaches Malcolm Alker and Phil Veivers will take charge of proceedings during his absence.

"However, Phil is also unavailable this weekend having returned to Australia to be with his family after a bereavement.

"The club would like to pass on its sincere condolences to Phil and his family at this difficult time."

McRae, who guided St Helens to the inaugural Super League title in 1996 and also coached Gateshead Thunder, Hull and South Sydney, has been in charge of Salford since succeeding Karl Harrison in June 2007.

He found himself under pressure during the opening weeks of the season after the Reds were thrashed 42-12 by Crusaders in Cardiff and 56-22 by St Helens in their first two games of the campaign.

Angry fans called for his sacking following the defeat by Saints but the Reds eased some of the pressure on their coach by winning 32-6 at Wakefield on Sunday.

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