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Rugby Union

Grayson: We got what we deserved

29/04/2007

Northampton head coach Paul Grayson said his side got what they deserved after being relegated from the Guinness Premiership despite beating London Irish 27-22 yesterday.

Grayson said that poor form early in the season had got them relegated and that injuries as well as off-the-field issues had contributed to their downfall.

It is only the third time in their history that the Saints have been relegated from the top flight of English rugby but Grayson said they only had themselves to blame.

He said: "What disappoints me is we got ourselves in this position in the first place - we should never have been here.

"But ultimately you get what you deserve and we deserved what we got."

The 35-year-old has not been in management long but said he felt that he was equally responsible for the team's position.

He said: "The players haven't produced and we take responsibility for that collectively. As someone sitting at the top of pile I also have to take it on the chin."

Grayson admitted that the club could appoint someone else to takeover his job but said he would be happy support any new appointment in the interests of the club.

"I'm an inexperienced coach and I've made mistakes this year but there are some things the club needs to get right to make sure this doesn't happen again," said Grayson.

Northampton could lose a reported £2 million in revenue after being relegated and a host of top players may now leave the club.

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