Bristol draft Alan Solomons as consultant
Alan Solomons has joined Aviva Premiership club Bristol as a coaching consultant
©PA
In a desperate effort to avoid relegation from the ongoing season of Aviva Premiership, Bristol have acquired the services of Alan Solomons as a consultant.
Bristol had gained promotion to the top most English league in 2016/17 season, but are reeling at the bottom of the table with just two wins from 15 matches.
The Ashton Gate outfit are six points behind the 11th placed Worcester Warriors, who enjoyed a victory over defending champions Saracens recently.
Solomons has the experience of working as assistant coach of South Africa and has also been part of various teams, including Northampton Saints, Stomers, Ulster and Kings.
The 66-year-old's recent association was with Edinburgh, during which he coached them to European Challenge Cup final in 2015 but stepped down from the role four weeks into the 2016/17 season.
Bristol head coach Mark Tainton believes Solomons' experience will help the club in this difficult phase.
"Alan is a hugely experienced operator who understands the game and has worked at the highest level for a number of years," Tainton told the club's official website.
"With seven (Premiership) games remaining, it's vital that Bristol rediscover our form of over the Christmas period, and Alan's arrival as a consultant should give everyone a boost.
"We believe he can add value to what we are trying to do on the training field."
Tainton will move to the chief operations officer role next season, which will also see Connacht boss Pat Lam taking over as the head coach.
Meanwhile, Steve Gorvett will step down from his role of club's chief executive at the end of the ongoing season.
Bristol chairman Chris Booy paid tributes to Gorvett for his contribution to the club.
"I am very sad that Steve has decided to retire from Bristol Rugby.
"He has worked tirelessly with myself and the board over the past 12 years to position this club for a great future.
"Steve has been a magnificent servant to Bristol on and off the field and we thank him sincerely for his efforts."
