Hull dismisses notion of change

Hull joined Bristol in 1987 and still holds the club record for appearances

Boss Paul Hull has said there will be no change to the coaching hierarchy at Bristol between now and the end of the season despite a drop in results.

Bristol’s Championship play-off hopes hang by a thread after three successive defeats and Hull is set to exit in May.

“Continuity’s important and you can’t swap and change,” he told BBC Bristol.

“The coaching, selection and tactics is exactly the same as it has been. Liam Middleton, Matt Salter and I chat about selection, but I make the final call.”

Hull was promoted from within and took over the top job at the Memorial Stadium in February 2009 season, following the departure of Richard Hill.

But there will be no changes before the end of the season this time, despite his announced replacement Middleton already being at the club.

Hull added: “Continuity’s important and you can’t really swap and change.

“Liam’s inundated with contract negotiations and speaking with agents of players from outside the club. It’s a massive transition, the recruitment is a massive job in itself and I think this is probably the perfect way.”

Hull has promised changes and wants an improved showing for the supporters for the second of the back-to-back play-off matches against London Welsh on Friday after seeing his side humiliated 54-9 against the Exiles on Saturday.

“We want to put in a good performance at home,” he said.

“Those that didn’t perform so well might not get an opportunity to play, while those chomping at the bit on the bench will get the opportunity.

“I felt pretty uncomfortable after the game because of the performance and I know the players did as well.

“It’s always about the club and that’s why I love it so dearly and that’s why it’s a tough decision to move on.

“This Friday night is about the supporters, playing at home and individual pride as well. No matter what the circumstances are you don’t want to lose games, or lose them in that style, so I think that’s the main focus for everyone.”