THE news of Steve Townend's departure has only just begin to sink in today and it really came as a shock to all of the players.

We all feel for Steve because he is a great guy but, as he is well aware, sport can be a funny business sometimes.

Six months at a club is not very long and I think most people wanted him to stay on in some capacity.

People can understand his decision though because it would have been difficult to work with a new man. From the players point of view, however, I know that John Brain has brought in a really top class backs coach who will, I have absolutely no doubt, do a really good job.

I worked with Andy Keast at Gloucester last year and his rugby knowledge is second to none. He knows a lot about the game and is exceptional on analysis and an extremely thorough man. Andy is similar to John in his work ethic - they work extremely hard. Probably too much sometimes because rugby is all they ever talk about! They get on very well and I think they compliment each other in the way they operate.

One thing I know is that the supporters will be pleased because Andy wants to see expansive rugby. He loves open rugby and can affect players' games. That is why he will be a good balance with John because he will get the backs playing an expansive game while the forwards will be as strong as ever at the set-pieces and the drives.

People will look at the timing and question the appointment but coaches and players become available at different times every year. If he'd have gone to a different club and been a success, John would have been accused of missing the boat so you just cannot win. You only have to look at his experience to know Andy is one of the best coaches out there. Not only has he been successful in England, he's gone to South Africa and won the Currie Cup with Natal. That shows he is not afraid of a challenge and in a way, he's got another big one at Worcester.

Andy will travel with us to Manchester on Saturday, weather permitting, for what, no doubt, will be a bruising encounter. We go into the match, however, boosted by a good 33-12 win over Moseley behind us.

Anyone at Sixways at the weekend will have seen a vast improvement on our performance at Exeter and to score the four tries in the first half was a big plus. The second half display was not as good but, overall, we were delighted to get back to winning ways.

Ben Clarke played really well and it was just a shame he had to come off with a hamstring injury. I know he is a big doubt for Manchester and we will miss him because he's been excellent this season.

Craig Chalmers was brilliant against Moseley and showed again just what a player he is. He has been so unlucky this season through injury but if he can string some games together, he will get better and better. Indeed, if he can play three on the trot, his form should be coming nicely to the boil for a certain game in South Yorkshire!

One thing's for certain, all the backs will be on their toes in the next few weeks, trying to impress Andy. It is only natural that players try to make a show when a new coach comes through the doors. I'm delighted I'm a forward!