BLACKWOOD'S backs coach Nigel Way has been sacked by the club for his side's poor performance in the Welsh First Division and comments made in the Press.

The club's committee decided last night to dispense with Way's services after Blackwood narrowly avoided relegation and because of recent comments in the Argus when he said the club would have to be sold on a more commercial basis to move on.

Club president Mike Jones also criticised Way for attacking relegated Abertillery when he said they were paying the price for not heeding his advice for failing to sort out their commercial side.

Jones said: "Nigel has made himself very unpopular with his bad attitude and with his outburst in the Press recently which was totally uncalled for and didn't do Welsh rugby, Abertillery or Blackwood any good at all.

"Abertillery chairman David Llewellyn described Nigel's comments as crass, ill-informed and quite frankly unwarranted and we agree with that. There has been a lot of work done at Blackwood on the commercial side and the decision to get rid of Way was taken unanimously."

Way replied: "What I said about Blackwood was meant as a constructive comment. There was no personal criticism of any individuals and I'm sorry it's been taken that way."

"I admit in the Abertillery scenario that I shot from the hip at the end of an emotionally charged week and match, and once again no personal criticism was meant."

Way is awaiting the outcome of a job interview at Ebbw Vale.