Double Amlin Challenge Cup winner Bryan Redpath has quit as head coach at Gloucester Rugby on the day they announced All Blacks scrum half Jimmy Cowan will be joining them next season.
Last weekend's home defeat at the hands of basement side Newcastle Falcons precipitated Redpath's decision, although in the final round of the Heinekne Cup Pool stages he had a win over Toulouse at Kingsholm to cheer.
"We're in a result driven business in and I hold up my hand and take full responsibility for the fact that we've not performed as well as we should have. I've offered my resignation with a heavy heart as I have dearly loved my time at Gloucester," said Redpath.
"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.
"There are a lot of people to thank. However, I must express my gratitude to the Walkinshaw family, Ryan and his father Tom before him, for giving me such a marvellous opportunity.
"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."
England No 8 Ben Morgan is another major recruit for next season as the 2006 Amlin Challenge Cup champions build for the future.
Redpath's decision to quit Kingsholm comes after he has been in charge for three years. He took over as coach for the 2009-10 season, having previously served as the club's backs coach following a glittering playing career which included representing Scotland at two Rugby World Cups.
He guided Gloucester to a seventh place finish in the Guinness Premiership in his first season and, in 2010-11, the club won the LV= Cup, finished third in the Aviva Premiership and only lost a semi-final play-off to eventual winners Saracens by two points.