NIGEL Redman is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his Worcester Warriors future ahead of the impending arrival of new director of rugby Dean Ryan.

The former England and British Lions lock was brought into the Sixways set-up as recently-sacked head coach Richard Hill’s right-hand man and forwards coach.

However, with Ryan, himself a former international back-row forward, taking the reins, it remains to be seen if there will still be a role on the coaching set-up for Redman.

When asked about how the backroom team is shaping up, Redman simply replied: “As far as I am concerned, I am contracted to the club next year and the year after.

“I’m really looking forward to Saturday and leading the team down to London Welsh. After Saturday, like everybody, we will find out more when Dean arrives.”

On the subject of where Redman could fit into the new regime, he added: “Dean is coming in as director of rugby and the coaching set-up and everything that comes under that is his decision.

“From a playing philosophy to the coaching side, we will be looking forward to finding out what his thoughts are.”

Redman will be in charge of the Warriors team that heads to London Welsh for the final game of the Aviva Premiership season on Saturday (2.30pm) and he plans to continue the recent policy of blooding young players.

He said: “I am a big believer in young, English talent and this week we have picked a few of those players in our side to go to London Welsh.

“I believe in the emotional attachment between a young player and the club, in allowing players who have worked hard to have the opportunity. It is then up to them to display their talents.

“Ben Howard has kept his place and you will also see Andy Short and Max Stelling alongside the likes of Matt Kvesic, Matt Mullan and Chris Pennell — all people who have come through our academy, as well as people like James Percival.

“It is important that those guys get to represent the club they have learnt their trade from.

“We have an academy producing good players, but some of them have gone elsewhere, so I think it is important that we at least give them the opportunity to play in Worcester colours.”

Redman added: “I thought Ben had a competent debut against Harlequins, but this week he needs to step up physically.

“He got into good positions to make tackles last week, but now he needs to make sure he goes through with the tackle, so he has a few work-ons.

“The only way people get used to the Premiership is by playing in it.

“It was a promising debut and we need to support him with another start.”