Why Gold left Bath
Gary Gold's shock exit from Bath this week was down to a disagreement between himself and the club over how his role as Director of Rugby should be defined.
The former Springbok assistant coach first joined the Premiership club in May 2012 as head coach, but became Director of Rugby earlier this year when Mike Ford was brought in to coach the side.
Since then Bath's fortunes have turned around dramatically, having finished in seventh place last season they are now on a nine-match unbeaten run which caused confusion over the timing of Gold's departure.
The club released a statement on Friday explaining that the two parties struggled to find common ground on what exactly the role of the Director of Rugby should entail.
Gold said: "It is with deep regret that my time as Director of Rugby at Bath has come to an end after amicable and respectful discussions.
"I am very proud of what we have achieved as a group in being able to make Bath a formidable force, and it is testament to this great group of players that the team are currently sitting in such healthy positions in all competitions.
"I have no doubt that Bath will go from strength to strength in years to come, and I sincerely wish them all the very best of fortune. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bath and have particularly enjoyed – and continue to appreciate – the constant support from an incredible group of Bath fans," he added.
Bath Chairman and owner Bruce Craig commented: "I would like to thank Gary for all his efforts over the last 18 months. He has helped the club advance hugely and has contributed to the club's present success, and indeed become a personal friend. He will always be welcome at the Rec and I have no doubt that he will prove a tremendous asset wherever he goes from here."
