THE DECISION to part company with Ian Matthews was a difficult one for Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club but chairman Chris Loughran feels it was the right course of action.
A run of seven defeats in 11 matches has seen the Bees drop to ninth in the National League Three Midlands division and Loughran admits it was time for a change.
He said: “It is with regret that we have decided to end Ian Matthews’ tenure as our head of rugby.
“With just four wins from 15 league games this season, our current position is neither in line with our expectation or ambitions.
“Although our recent performances have been much improved, the management team feel, on balance, that it is in the club’s best interests to have a parting of the ways now rather than to leave things as they currently stand.”
Coach Lee Cassell has taken over in the interim alongside club captain Chris Goddard and Steve Jones as the Bees look to put in place the appropriate structure and personnel to take things forward both on and off the pitch.
Loughran added: “I would like to put on record our thanks to Ian for the hard work and energy that he has brought to the Bees since his arrival over the summer.
“As well as looking to push for promotion, his remit was to address a number of issues and challenges faced by the club and he has, throughout, demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and determination. We wish him well for the future.”
