I’VE got to admit last Saturday was not one of the best days of my life.

I enjoy my role as chairman of Reading RFC but, as in every job, you have your ups and downs and moments of crisis. And parting company with our head coach of the last four-and-a-half seasons, Paul Gaster, following our defeat at Witney, definitely made it a tough day at the office.

Paul’s done a great job during his time with us, but with just two wins from 16 outings this season and the side sitting bottom of South West One East table, he felt it was time to concede and hand over the reins.

I would like to thank Paul for his efforts – you have contributed a huge amount to the club during your time spent with us and we all wish you, along with your family, good luck in the future.

However, sometimes a different voice at the top can make an immediate difference to a team no matter what standard they are playing at. Just look at the Stuart Lancaster and Eddie Jones situation with England.

We know there’s some very hard work to do for both the players and management ahead of us, but thankfully the guys put in a much improved performance last Saturday. One thing I know for certain is these players will not give up and will give it their all until the very last game and last minute of the season.

It’s not been a great start to 2017 and on top of Reading’s defeat, Redingensians Rams crumbled at home to Cornish visitors Redruth in National Two South, and Reading Abbey slumped to a home defeat at the hands of resurgent Oxford Harlequins.

At least London Irish made it 18 straight wins with a British & Irish Cup success at Connacht Eagles and Berkshire Shire Hall overcame Chipping Norton in the BB&O Championship.

Irish are back at Madejski this Saturday as they aim to take their record to 19-0 against an Ospreys Premiership Select, while Rams have a tough trip to Chinnor.

Elsewhere, it’s the big town derby between my boys Reading and Reading Abbey at Holme Park and a chance for us to avenge our narrow 9-8 defeat earlier in the season.

We are expecting a huge number of supporters from both sides to be watching this game, and, I am sure, there will also be a large amount of banter by the spectators to add to the occasion.

Shire Hall visit Faringdon, and wherever the game takes you this weekend – enjoy your rugby.