TWO of the key figures in Tynedale Rugby Club’s rise to national prominence in the past decade have quit the club.

In the wake of Tynedale’s relegation from National Division One at the end of the season, both coach Tom Borthwick and director of rugby John Shotton have fallen on their swords.

But the debt that Tynedale owes to the two men is immeasurable, as for years they have worked together to ensure the Corbridge club has punched way above its weight on the national stage.

Tynedale’s amateurs have more than held their own against wealthy clubs, with largely professional players, for many years until the wheels finally came off this year.

John Shotton has long been Tynedale’s Mr Fixit, his long list of connections within the game helping Tynedale secure the signatures of innumerable key players. His always forthright and occasionally abrasive style and earthy humour did not endear him to everyone, but his undying enthusiasm for Tynedale have made him a club legend without parallel.

Tom Borthwick came to Tynedale a decade ago after a successful playing career in Cumbria with Aspatria, and in 10 years took the club to a whole new level.

The inspirational coach not only took Tynedale to promotion to national level in 2008, but also coached Northumberland to the County Shield Championship win over Cornwall at Twickenham a year later.

He also coached the crack England Counties outfit on its tour to Korea and Japan.

The unexpected resignation of Shotton and Borthwick followed the expected departure of long-serving chief executive Douglas Hamilton.

Douglas will remain very much involved with the club, taking on management of the prestigious annual schools tournament held each September.

He is the current holder of Sport Tynedale’s personality of the year in recognition of his long service to the club as player and administrator.

Tynedale's deputy chief executive Neil Foster, who is expected to succeed Douglas Hamilton for the new season, said this week: “Douglas and John have been tremendous servants to the club over many years.

“They will leave a huge void administratively but also a lasting and positive legacy for the new team taking office.

“Tom Borthwick successfully coached the club into the top flight of the National League structure and helped to develop a host of future premiership and international capped players.

“Typical of the man, Tom’s decision to step down, in light of other changes and a year earlier than expected, has created an opportunity to widen the brief for a new ‘Head of Rugby’ to be appointed for the new season.

“We part on the best of terms with Tom following a fruitful decade under his leadership but this partially unexpected change in personnel will also provide opportunity to bring in new volunteers to the team at Tynedale for next season.

“Many of the current squad of players are already planning for the new season and we look forward to welcoming a number of new faces in time for the start of pre-season training in July.”

An advertisement has already gone out for someone to fill John Shotton’s very large shoes.

The job specification includes a requirement to create the platform for a return to Level Three rugby for the first team, to strengthen the transition from youth through to senior rugby at the club; and to develop a strong and consistent playing base for senior rugby at all levels.

Applications are sought by May 22.