 Pountney retired from playing a year ago |
Northampton have appointed Budge Pountney and Paul Grayson as their full-time coaching team. The pair have been in charge in a caretaker capacity since Alan Solomons left the club earlier this season.
Former Scotland flanker Pountney assumes the role of head coach, with ex-England fly-half Grayson as technical coach.
The club also confirmed a �3m expansion plan at Franklin's Gardens which will increase capacity to 13,600.
"Budge and Paul embody all the beliefs that are central to Northampton," said chairman Keith Barwell.
"Our short-term aim will be to avoid relegation, and from then on rebuild our squad to ensure we do not end up in this position in future seasons."
Northampton are currently bottom of the Zurich Premiership, two points adrift of 11th-placed Harlequins with just seven games remaining.
The coaching appointments have been ratified unanimously by Northampton's board of directors.
"We did not feel the threat of relegation should dissuade us from going ahead with our expansion plans," added Barwell.
"Franklin's Gardens is a stadium to be proud of and we want to make sure our supporters are well catered for in years to come.
"I was pleased with last night's meeting, because the board has put its faith in not only our coaches and the players, but also in our sponsors and supporters, who I know will fill our extended South Stand."
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