Saints say so long to Solomons

Zurich Premiership team Northampton today parted company with head coach Alan Solomons.

The Saints were condemned to their eighth successive Zurich Premiership defeat on Saturday against bottom side Worcester.

“Alan is a great coach and we would like to thank him for his efforts during the last few months.

"However, for whatever reason, it has not worked out and the board is disappointed to announce that we feel it is now the appropriate time to make a change in the coaching structure,” Saints chairman Keith Barwell said today.

Solomons arrived at Franklin’s Gardens in the summer after a three-year stint with Munster and brought in a host of internationals, including Corne Krige, whom he appointed captain, Selborne Boome and Robbie Kempson.

Northampton opened the season with victories over Bath, last season’s Grand finalists, and Harlequins but have failed to register a league win in two months and are one point off the bottom of the Premiership.

Their only successes since September 11 were Heineken Cup pool victories over Edinburgh and Llanelli.

Solomons will be temporarily replaced by a group of current players and coaching staff.

“Saints now need to look within themselves and to each other to continue concentrating on that ethos that we all believe in – playing with heart and passion, and being proud of the Northampton Saints jersey,” Barwell added.

Details of the club’s interim coaching team will be announced shortly.

“The club will be combing the world for another head coach. However, the ideal would be that our new temporary coaching set-up works out,” said Barwell.

Northampton face Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park next Sunday before heading back to the Heineken Cup with back-to-back games against Toulouse.