HEAD coach Stuart Dixon and forwards coach Ronnie Kelly have both resigned in the wake of Bradford & Bingley's second successive relegation.

Both Dixon, who is an area player development officer for the RFU, and former Otley and Bees prop Kelly – who has turned the pack into a formidable unit – say that increasing work commitments are behind their decision to leave Wagon Lane.

Former Premiership player Dixon, who is now 38, took charge at the back end of the 2013-14 season, having replaced Bulls legend Henry Paul.

And although the Bees won five of their last six matches in SSE National League Three North that campaign, they went down after Billingham secured two bonus points in injury time at champions Huddersfield.

The hope was that the Wagon Laners could bounce back this season in North One East but a promotion challenge never materialised.

It means the Bees have now slipped into the seventh tier, namely a historically competitive Yorkshire Division One, with the only consolation being 14 derbies.

Dixon, who revealed that a fresh face was needed at the club, said: "I have always been, and always will be, a Bees lad.

"But having had time to reflect on my own and the team's performances over the past 12 months, it is with a very heavy heart that I have decided to step down with immediate effect.

"My commitments with the RFU have always meant that I cannot make every training session and, as a result, the continuity of messages hasn't been there. As a result, the performances of the side have been affected.

"I hope that whoever the club find to take over the reins continues to invest time and effort into making the juniors and lower XVs as strong as possible to support what, I hope, will be a successful campaign in Yorkshire One next season."

Bees rugby chairman Peter Rae, who accepted the resignation, thanked Dixon and Kelly – who have both pulled on the Bees jersey with distinction – on behalf of the club for their commitment over the years.

Rae added that he was sure both men will remain as friends and supporters of the club.

Bradford & Bingley hope to soon announce a new coaching structure and the signing of several players.