LESS than three months after being unveiled as the new head coach at Down Grange, Geoff Richards has left Basingstoke RFC.

The former England Ladies manager was announced as Jim Dixon's replacement in May but has now left 'Stoke to become head coach at National League division three outfit Richmond.

Richards did not oversee a single game during his time at the club but, while chairman Steve Tristram is disappointed by his departure, there are no hard feelings.

"Geoff phoned me to apologise and to say that he had been made an offer that he could not refuse," Tristram explained.

"It is very disappointing, but Richmond can offer Geoff a significantly bigger salary and better resources. They are a big club and it is a great opportunity for him.

"We only had a handshake agreement so he did not break any contract. The whole thing has not left any unpleasant taste because he was completely honest with us and very apologetic."

Tristram met with other members of the club's board on Tuesday night to discuss the coaching situation. They decided against advertising for a new man at the top immediately, choosing to stick with the coaching staff already at the club.

Jim Kelly, who joined 'Stoke as forwards coach over the summer, will lead Tuesday and Thursday training sessions. He will also have an overall input on squad development and playing style, but is unable to attend games as he also coaches London Scottish.

As a result, coaches Gareth Lewis and Lee Johnson, who worked at the club under Dixon, will be in charge on match days, with director of rugby Chris Cook overseeing the whole operation.

"We are going to have a look at how things go before deciding on our next step, which I'm pretty sure is the right decision, certainly for the moment," Tristram said.

"While we will be gently looking for a new head coach, we will not be actively advertising as it would be quite difficult to find someone at this time of year."

Basingstoke were relegated at the end of last season and will play in London division two south when the league campaign gets under way on September 13.

'Stoke have already lost star winger Karl Buttle, who joined National League division one outfit Esher before this development but, while Richards' departure will undoubtedly unsettle the squad, Tristram is hopeful that the majority of players will stay.

"There were a lot of people at training on Tuesday night and it doesn't look like there has been a mass exodus," Tristram said.

"Geoff had introduced a good spirit and that legacy is continuing at the moment, which is another reason why we are not rushing into advertising for a new coach."