NEWBRIDGE coaches Robert and Gareth Johnson have been sacked after the club failed to gain promotion from Division One East.

The popular pair have paid the price for a season that turned sour after looking promising for so long, and team manager Nigel Paul has followed them out of the Welfare Ground door after resigning from his post after less than half a season.

The team have played well this season but ultimately have fallen short of their target of promotion and the Johnsons will leave their role with immediate effect.

Newbridge confirmed the decision but are to make an official statement shortly.

It is believed that the club want to review the management set-up and the Argus understands that former Pontypool coach Steve Jones has been apporached with a view to him taking the helm.

'Bridge had set the goal of returning to the Premiership and all looked good when they topped the table and passed the criteria mark that all teams require to head into the top flight.

But Newbridge lost to both Beddau and Pontypool within the space of a week earlier this month, both sides winning the battles up front, and their dreams of promotion crashed.

Beddau top the table and 'Bridge cannot overhaul them given the gulf in tries scored.

There is still one game left of the season, the match at Newport Saracens that was rearranged because of a waterlogged pitch, and loosehead prop Andrew Oliver and fitness coach David Brown will take care of preparations and the match itself.