Alan Tait accepts challenge of first head coach role as Newcastle sack Bates

Bates returned to Newcastle, where he was the leading coaching figure under Rob Andrew's revolution, after the closure of the Border Reivers in 2007. Tait, one of the Newcastle stars during that initial spell, followed him back the next year after nearly 18 months as assistant to Frank Hadden with the Scotland national team.

Another Scot, former lock forward Stuart Grimes, was hired as the forwards coach, but Newcastle have struggled with one of the lowest budgets in the Guinness Premiership and only staved off relegation this season with victory over Sale Sharks less than two weeks ago. They were also humbled by Cardiff in the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals which fuelled disappointment with Bates' leadership.

Last week, club owner Dave Thompson praised supporters for signing up for season tickets for next season, but insisted: "The number who have committed to the club for next season is much more than we expected, and to be honest is much more than we deserve. We will not let them down next season.

"We are working hard behind the scenes, and we will put this club right. I am bitterly disappointed with the performance this season, as I know our supporters are too. It has simply not been good enough. The passion shown by the supporters is going to be matched by the club next season. I promise that will happen."

He instigated a review of the season to date and the outcome was yesterday's sacking of Bates, the former England A and Scotland coach.

Tait has been handed head coach duties at Kingston Park, starting with Saturday's final league game of the season against Wasps.

Newcastle currently lie 10th in the Premiership – where they also finished under Bates last season – having won just six of their 21 league games.

Thompson stated: "With immediate effect, first-team coach Alan Tait will now take charge as head coach, reporting into chief executive David Bell. Alan will be undertaking a review of the playing, coaching and support structure, and announcements relating to that review are expected shortly.

"We would all like to express our thanks to Steve for his contribution during his time as director of rugby, and wish him every success in the future."

Bates acknowledged: "I am disappointed at the outcome of this review, but I am proud of what has been achieved this season in a very competitive environment.

"I would like to thank the players and all of the back-up staff for their support and effort."

Tait declined to comment publicly yesterday, insisting he was disappointed to see a long-time coaching partner leave the club, but enthusiastic about the challenge handed to him. Grimes remains at Kingston Park.

For the former Scotland centre, it marks a great rise to the top of the coaching game. He first started out as a defence coach in 2000 after retiring as a player with Guinness Premiership, Five Nations Championship and a British and Irish Lions series triumphs in his final haul.

Ian McGeechan asked him to helped strengthen Scotland's defence, which he did, before spells with the Borders and Scotland before he returned to Kingston Park two years ago. He has a big job at Newcastle now, however, with All Blacks prop Carl Hayman off to Toulon this summer, and wing Tom Biggs and young fly-half prospect Rob Miller following recent departures Toby Flood, Jamie Noon and Tom May through the exit door.