Plymouth Albion sack boss Graham Dawe

Graham Dawes says he was asked to 'step down immediately' Credit: ITV West Country

Just a week after taking over the club, the new owners of Plymouth Albion have sacked their director of rugby Graham Dawe.

The former England international took charge for a second time just a year ago, but, while he was unable to help the team avoid relegation from the championship last season, this season they've won 20 of their 28 league games.

In his first meeting with new owners Bruce Priday and Nigel Sparrow Dawes said they informed him he was "not part of their current plans as they wanted a fresh start", asking him to step down immediately.

The announcement has not been confirmed by the club, and there is no formal statement on their website or Twitter.

Graham Dawe released a statement this morning and followed that up with a press conference at lunchtime where he told us he'd have liked to have stayed until the end of the season at least:

In his statement released this morning he said:

There has also been a lot of vocal support for Graham Dawe, many failing to understand the decision, given the progress made this season.

Plymouth Herald sports writer, Phil Stoneham, called the decision beyond belief, writing:

The Plymouth Albion squad Credit: ITV West Country

You can read his full article here.