Gloucester have confirmed that Bryan Redpath has resigned from his role as head coach of the Aviva Premiership club with immediate effect.
Redpath, who has been linked with a move to Sale Sharks, took the decision to end his three-year tenure with the Cherry and Whites after a recent run of four straight defeats.
Forwards Coach Carl Hogg has been placed in charge of the first team as they prepare to take on Sale on Saturday.
"It's a result driven business we're in and I hold my hand up and take full responsibility for the fact that we've not performed as well as we should have," Redpath told the club's official website.
"I've offered my resignation with a heavy heart. I have dearly loved my time at Gloucester. It's a fantastic club in a true rugby city with devoted, passionate supporters. But, I think it's now someone else's turn to take charge."
Redpath took charge at Kingsholm at the start of the 2009-10 season having previously worked as the backs coach at the club.
Gloucester finished seventh in his first year, improving to third the following season when they lost in the play-off semi-finals and also won the LV= Cup.
However, they have not been able to sustain a top-four challenge this year and are well adrift of the play-off places with just two games remaining.
Gratitude
Redpath added: "There are a lot of people to thank, too many for a press release. However, I must express my gratitude to the Walkinshaw family, Ryan and his father Tom before him, for giving me such a marvellous opportunity here.
"I genuinely think that the future for Gloucester Rugby is bright and I sincerely wish everyone connected with the club the very best for the future."
Gloucester board member Ryan Walkinshaw added: "It is with great sadness that the board accepted Bryan's resignation.
"He's a fine man, a good coach with strong principles and no one could have worked harder to make a success of the role.
"However, he feels responsible for the recent run of disappointing results on the field of play and feels that he has taken things as far as he can. We respect that decision.
"We would like to stress that Bryan's departure is not connected with recent media speculation regarding his future and is based purely on results.
"We would like to thank him for everything he's done for Gloucester Rugby and wish him every success in his future endeavours."
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