Bryan Redpath has left Gloucester © Getty Images

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Bryan Redpath has resigned from his post as Gloucester head coach but has denied suggestions the decision is connected to speculation linking him with the vacant director of rugby position at the Sale Sharks. Forwards coach Carl Hogg will take charge of their match with Sale on Saturday.

Redpath replaced Dean Ryan as the Gloucester's head coach ahead of the 2009-10 season and steered them to victory in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2011. But they are currently seventh in the Premiership and were defeated by basement side the Newcastle Falcons on Saturday. With just two matches left in the season, with Gloucester are vying with Sale for a spot in the top six and resulting Heineken Cup qualification.

"It's a result driven business we're in and I hold my hand up and take full responsibility for the fact that we've not performed as well as we should have," Redpath said. "I've offered my resignation with a heavy heart. I have dearly loved my time at Gloucester. 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."

Gloucester board member Ryan Walkinshaw was adamant that Redpath's resignation was unconnected with the media speculation. "He's a fine man, a good coach with strong principles and no-one could have worked harder to make a success of the role," Walkinshaw said. "However, he feels responsible for the recent run of disappointing results on the field of play and feels that he has taken things as far as he can. We respect that decision."