Bristol owner Malcolm Pearce has complete confidence in his new coach Peter Thorburn and believes he will not remain an unknown for long.

Pearce has turned to the New Zealander to fill the void left by Dean Ryan, whose appointment as forwards coach at Gloucester is set to be announced this morning.

It is one of three key departures from the Memorial Ground in the past 48 hours, with managing director Jack Rowell already installed as new director of rugby at Bath and skipper Jason Little announcing his retirement from the game.

However, Pearce is remaining optimistic. He will take over the chief executive responsibilities in addition to his continuing role as chairman.

And, in former All Black selector Thorburn, he believes the right man is in place to ensure the good work which has been started this term will be continued next season.

"I guess Peter is something of an unknown unless you delve into what he has been doing," said Pearce. "He is an imaginative leader with a modern, progressive attitude towards the game.

"I have never met anyone with as deep an understanding of the game and the players are delighted with the appointment."

Thorburn, who worked closely with current Northampton coach Wayne Smith during their time with the All Blacks, originally came to Bristol three months ago on a short-term contract.

Pearce credits the Kiwi for the revival in Bristol fortunes which eventually saw them finish eighth in the Premiership and give Gloucester a run for their money in the Zurich Championship final at Twickenham last weekend.

"It is no co-incidence that things started to click for us when Peter arrived," he said.

"We were supposed to have one of the best packs in the country but they were getting shoved around a bit before Peter came. Then on Saturday everyone said we would be annihilated up front but if anything we came out on top in that department."

The theory behind Ryan's departure, which has been on the cards for some time, is that his chances of progressing into the England coaching set-up will be enhanced by working with Gloucester chief Nigel Melville, one of the prime candidates to replace Clive Woodward when he eventually quits as manager.

Pearce hinted as much when he said of Ryan's decision: "Perhaps he feels it would be better for his long-term career if he moved elsewhere."

Nevertheless, Pearce claimed Ryan leaves with 'good wishes', as does Rowell, whose guiding hand helped Pearce steer Bristol away from then brink of bankruptcy four years ago.

There were also warm words of praise for Little, who has been released from the remaining year of his contract after claiming his body had "had enough" of the physical demands of the game.

With his wife due to give birth shortly, the former Australian centre will probably stay in his homeland for at least a year, although Pearce expects to see him return to Bristol in a coaching capacity.

"Jason has indicated a willingness to do that and hopefully that is what will happen," said Pearce. "He loved every minute of it here but he has to respect what his body is telling him."

On a day of departures, Pearce also confirmed back-row Adam Vander would not be retained.

However, he did indicate there will shortly be a "phenomenal" new arrival for supporters to celebrate.

"The heads of agreement have been signed and I would anticipate an announcement in the very near future," said Pearce.

"Jason leaving gives us an option in terms of an overseas player but the new man will definitely be available for the start of next season."