Aviva Premiership
Unrest as Gary Gold leaves Bath
ESPN Staff
December 10, 2013
Bath coach Gary Gold barks instructions at training, Bath training session, Farleigh House, Bath, England, August 21, 2012
Gary Gold; abrupt and unexplained departure © Getty Images
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Bath have announced director of rugby Gary Gold has left the club with immediate effect.

The news comes as a shock as the team are currently on an nine-match unbeaten run and sit pretty in third. The club say the decision has come about "following a re-structure in the rugby department and with the best interests of both Gary and the club in mind".

Fans made clear their unhappiness on social media forums and Bath responded with a Twitter post of their own that, if anything, only served to increase speculation. "We know today's news was big, but we have said all we are currently permitted to say. If we can tell you more soon, we promise we will."

And David Flatman, communications director, said: "[It's] a difficult situation which we will explain as soon as we are permitted."

The club underwent a coaching re-structure at the start of the season as Mike Ford was promoted to head coach with Gold moving upstairs to become director of rugby. Former London Irish coaches Toby Booth and Neal Hatley are also on the coaching staff.

Gold joined Bath ahead of the 2011-12 season replacing Sir Ian McGeechan. After a mixed first term, Bath recruited extensively over the summer and have been playing well.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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