Pete Glanville (left) and Andy Deacon both captained Gloucester

Cinderford's director of Rugby operations Pete Glanville is to stand down at the end of the season.

Glanville, who has been at Cinderford since 2001, will hand over control to Andy Deacon, who is to retire from his role as player-coach.

Glanville told BBC Gloucestershire: "It is a co-ordinated exit. The decision was made at the start of the season.

"It's been carefully planned from both our points of view that there is a good structure in place for when I leave."

Both Glanville and Deacon were playing colleagues at Gloucester and guided Cinderford to promotion from National Division Two in 2008.

The Foresters are currently in the relegation zone in National Division One with four games to play, more than both Otley and Newbury who are immediately above them.

Deacon said: "It seems like a natural thing for me to do with my experience. I've been there a while and learned off Pete from what he's been doing in the role. I'm looking forward to it and I'm excited about it.

"In recent seasons we've done very well under Pete. This year hasn't been one of the most successful but if we can stay in the league we can grow for next season."

Club president Peter Bell added: "We owe a great deal to Pete in how he has shaped the club and taken us on an amazing journey leading his back room team, our coaches and players to this level. He also been instrumental in bringing in great players and signing new talent to build the squad we have today."

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