BATH legend Steve Ojomoh says the club’s next head coach faces a big job to restore them to domestic and European prominence.

The Rec club announced on Wednesday that director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan will leave his post at the end of this season, coinciding with the end of an existing two-year contract.

South African Gary Gold and former Leinster chief Michael Cheika are believed to be the two main contenders to become the new head coach but Ojomoh, who lives in Trowbridge, says whoever is put in charge must be given total control over rugby affairs.

“Whoever comes in needs to have clear authority and needs to do their own job,’’ said the Wiltshire Times columnist and former back rower, capped 12 times by England.

“There seems to have been a bit of confusion at the top in the last couple of seasons.

“It’s a big job because a lot of things need to change. Things are not right on or off the pitch.

“Whoever comes into the role needs to understand the culture of the club, understand what they need and go out and get the players that will fit into that.’’

Bath say they are making “good progress’’ in identifying a head coach, claiming a new structure and coaches will be agreed and in place during the summer in time for next season.

Bath chief executive Nick Blofeld said: “We would like to thank ‘Geech’ for his time with the club and for his assistance in developing the culture at the club through this transitional period.

“An announcement regarding a new head coach will be made in due course.’’

Gold is currently in temporary charge of Premiership relegation favourites Newcastle, while Cheika is at French club Stade Francais.

Bath chairman Bruce Craig has laid bare his feelings about the club’s performance this season, claiming: “It hurts to be in this position”.

Bath currently lie eighth in the Premiership with just three games left, meaning they face a fight to secure qualification for next season’s Heineken Cup.

Multi-millionaire Craig has now written an open letter, published on the club’s website, offering his thoughts on what has been a poor campaign.

“I am the first to admit that this season has been disappointing and frustrating,’’ he said.

“We have been inconsistent and have under-performed.

“A considerable amount of time and money has been invested in the club this year without the returns expected by everyone.

“It hurts to be in this position, and all of us involved with the club understand that the overall performance has not been acceptable. We know we could, and should, have done much better.

“What I can say is that some hard lessons have been learnt, but our objectives and vision have not changed and we will continue to build the solid foundations for long-term success.

“I still believe the squad is as competitive as any in the Premiership, and with a few new signings arriving over the summer and the fact the players will have been together for much longer, there is real reason to look forward positively.”

Craig confirmed a new head coach and structure would be announced in the coming weeks.

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