Ryan and Gloucester part ways
June 11 2009
Gloucester have announced that Director of Rugby, Dean Ryan, has departed the club by mutual consent, it was confirmed on Thursday.
In a brief statement released by the English heavyweights, the Cherry and Whites announced Ryan's departure after seven years at Kingsholm.
"The club would like to thank Dean for his contribution over the years and wish him well for the future," the side's website said.
Gloucester finished in sixth position in 2008/09 after much was expected from their strong squad, which was boosted by the off-season signings of internationals Olly Barkley and Greg Somerville.
But they failed to retain the Guinness Premiership regular-season crown while missing out on the play-offs and also rarely threatened in Europe.
Gloucester Chairman Tom Walkinshaw has immediately installed former Scotland scrum-half Bryan Redpath in a Head Coach capacity.
"As a result of the review process, we identified several areas within the operation which could be improved. I will be happy to expand upon these at a Fans Forum which we will announce in due course," he said.
"However, the most significant finding was, that following Dean Ryan's appointment as Director of Rugby, we did not recruit a replacement Head Coach and that this was a major contributing factor in the team's inconsistent performances on the pitch.
"Accordingly, we have taken immediate action to recruit a Head Coach for Gloucester Rugby. We did consider bringing in a new Head Coach from outside the club but we're looking at evolution and not revolution and feel that Bryan is absolutely the right man for the job.
"Bryan has been at the club now for three seasons. His playing record speaks for itself and, as a coach, he has quickly earned the respect of the playing squad and his peers.
"Bryan is extremely excited to be appointed Head Coach of such a big club and he will review the squad and add his own stamp in due course.
"He will continue to be supported by Carl Hogg and Denis Betts and I am sure you will join me in wishing him well in his new role."