CHINNOR have sacked head coach John Brodley just seven months after he guided them into the National League.

The club say they took the decision due to Chinnor's poor start in National Division 3 South, which has seen them win just twice.

But Brodley, who spent six years at Chinnor, feels he could have reversed their slump.

He said: "I went into a meeting on Tuesday, which I thought would be deciding how to take things forward, given that we had a two-week break.

"Within ten minutes I had been asked to leave the club, which I did.

"We were working our way through the problems.

"I could see a little light at the end of the tunnel, but the main committee couldn't.

"They didn't ask for any explanation or my plans for the future.

"Putting together a team in a new league takes time.

"We had not quite got it right yet, but I had a plan B in place.

"It is a bit of a disappointment, but I'm still in love with the game and I will look for somewhere else."

"I'm presuming there will be other local clubs that will be able to use my experience and abilities."

Brodley, who previously coached Banbury and Bicester, expects to stay as county coach and would like to select Chinnor players next year.

Chinnor president Kenny Vaughan said they had not yet decided on a successor, but director of rugby Lynn Evans, who is away in Malaysia, will stay involved.

A club statement reads: "It is with considerable regret that Chinnor RFC confirm the departure of head coach John Brodley.

"John has made a significant contribution to the club over these past six years.

"He has been instrumental in guiding the club through the leagues to its present national status.

"His loyalty, dedication and work ethic are unquestioned.

"Unfortunately results have not gone our way this season, culminating in another heavy loss this past Saturday.

"As always in these circumstances, morale and confidence takes a battering.

"It was becoming increasingly difficult for both players and coach to remain positive and focused.

"When this occurs alternative options have to be considered.

"This is not to cast any criticism in John's direction, but possibly a different approach needs to be adopted.

"With this in mind we have taken the most difficult of decisions to relieve John of his duties. We wish him well."