DIRECTOR of rugby Gary Gold has dismissed any ‘conspiracy theories’ behind him bringing in Alan Solomons to oversee the club while he spends time in South Africa with his family.
The Worcester chief, who will be returning to South Africa at the end of the year and again in February/March during breaks from Aviva Premiership action, insists the former Ulster, Southern Kings and Edinburgh coach does not want anyone’s job at the club and has only been brought in to provide consistency and continuity.
“The history of what’s happened here over the last couple of years is there’s been a tremendous amount of change. When Dean (Ryan) left someone had to do his job.
There was Nick (Johnston) and Carl (Hogg) and then Nick moved on. The disruptive thing is there’s a void left in the job,” said Gold.
“I didn’t want that to happen. I was very happy with the coaching structure and with Carl heading up as head coach. When the plan was in place for me to return to South Africa, I didn’t want there being anything too disruptive.
“I wanted everyone to stay in their position so I brought Alan (Solomons) in almost as a consultant/co-ordinator.
“With me going back and forth (to South Africa) at the end of the year and in February/March, Alan will be sticking around. There’s no conspiracy theory behind it, it’s just the fact we wanted some form of consistency and continuity.
“I know Alan from 20 years ago when he basically was my mentor. I know he hasn’t come here with any other agenda than to help Worcester improve.
“He’s been around the game for so long, he doesn’t want anybody’s job. He’s just a decent, honest guy who has come in to help us out.”
Gold hailed Solomons as a ‘breath of fresh air’ and believes he is helping to move the club forward.
“One of the benefits he provides is another set of eyes,” he added. “He’s been in the game for more than 20 years and has huge experience after coaching at international level.
“There was never going to be a magic wand but I think we’re moving in the right direction. He’s been a breath of fresh air.”