A statement from the Netherdale club issued on Tuesday morning said: “The executive board, after giving the matter serious consideration has reluctantly accepted their resignations and would like to put on record the club’s sincere thanks to both Richie and Gary and wish them both success for the future.”

And when TheSouthern contacted Gray yesterday he refused to elaborate further on the shock decision.

He told us: “The club has put out a statement and that is all I wish to say on the matter.”

However, Gala president Colin Playfair admitted that the decision had come as a blow.

He told us: “I was very disappointed with the decision of Richie and Gary to leave the club. We only have two or three weeks to go until pre-season season starts and now we have no coaches. It hasn’t been the best of weeks.”

As yet it is unclear exactly what the “difference of opinion” was about, but TheSouthern understands that some players were unhappy with the approach to training of the departing duo.

When asked what he and Parker plan to do next, Gray was non-committal.

He said: “Gary and I both have jobs and that is what we will be concentrating on at the moment.”

Since being recruited in 2007, the pair have been responsible for restoring respectability to the club. The 1st XV had been relegated to Premier Three for the first time in its history, but bounced straight back up and cemented their position in Premier Two last season.

Elsewhere, Jedforest have announced their new coach as 41-year-old Darren Cunningham.

The former winger has been head coach at Morpeth for the last three seasons and sees this move as a very positive step in his career.

He has already taken a training session after impressing in original meetings with the club and the players are said to have responded very positively to his efforts.

Cunningham will take over from Calum Brown, who has stepped down after six years of coaching at Riverside Park. Among his achievements were two consecutive promotions with the 2nd XV and a semi-final appearance in the National Shield competition.

He also led the club to two Border League finals, a Kings of the Sevens title and a Jed Sevens victory.

Gary Holborn has been named as new club captain at Jed. He led Berwick before joining the Royal Blues and has now played more than 50 times for the club. Donald Grieve will be his vice-captain.

Selkirk favourite David Cassidy may also make a return to rugby wearing the royal blue of Jed-Forest. Last season Cassidy shocked the Souters by leaving the club following an injury and apparently signing for St Boswells. He would certainly be welcomed with open arms for his kicking abilities, something which Jed struggled with last season.

The club website has speculated that Garry Elder will be joining Melrose and David Grieve is moving to Watsonians, but these are yet to be confirmed.