Bournville Head Coach Matt Price has stepped down after almost two seasons in charge at Avery Fields.
The former Bedford Blues, Rugby Lions and Coventry hooker took the decision with Bournville facing a battle to retain their National Two West status.
Bournville finished eleventh – their highest-ever league placing – last season and were sixth in the table at the end of October. But a run of one win in their last 12 matches, culminating in a 64-19 defeat at Hinckley on Saturday, has led to Price’s decision.
“I have known Matt for a number of years and have huge respect for him both as a coach and a person,” said Bournville’s Managing Director Phil Maynard.
“Matt and the rest of the coaching team have invested a lot of time and effort into the club over the last two seasons and we hoped that, having achieved our highest-ever league finish last year, we would build on that this season.
“Things have not gone as we would have hoped with dreadful luck with injuries – particularly to key front row forwards – and the departure of Owen Williams due to work commitments at Christmas, impacting team selection.
“After a promising start to the season, recent results have been disappointing and, as Matt acknowledged after last Saturday’s match at Hinckley, have left us facing a real battle to retain our National Leagues status.
“We thank Matt for all his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.”
Assistant Coach Alex Grove will take charge of Bournville for the rest of the season starting with Saturday’s match against Exeter University at Avery Fields.