Gloucester threaten Sale with legal action after head coach Bryan Redpath quits club After issuing a succession of tweets thanking Gloucester fans for their backing, Walkinshaw, whose late father, Tom, used to own the club, sent out a clear statement of intent to Sale. But if we find any evidence to that Sale have manufactured this, we'll fight back with a no-holds-barred legal attack. The Gloucester players were stunned when summoned to hear of Redpath's departure which was the culmination of several days" speculation that he would return to the club for whom he once played. Several players have been released in recent weeks and others will wonder what their future might be under new management. All parties denied that what many outsiders consider to be the inevitable return of Redpath to Sale, had anything to do with his resignation. Instead, a recent run of poor results was deemed to be behind Redpath walking away after three years. Yet if seventh-placed Gloucester win their remaining two games, against Sale and London Irish, they will qualify for the Heineken Cup. Sale insist there has been no contact, although chief executive, Steve Diamond, has said that there would be interest in Redpath if he were to become available. Redpath insisted: "It's a results-driven business and I've offered my resignation with a heavy heart." It is believed Redpath was keen to offer Mike Tindall an extended contract at the club but was overruled. Despite his obvious unease over events, Walkinshaw had only praise for Redpath. "Bryan's departure is based purely on results," said Walkinshaw. He's a fine man, a good coach with strong principles. Forwards' coach Carl Hogg will prepare the side. Eddie O'Sullivan and John Kirwan are sure to be linked to the vacant post. Gloucester, meanwhile, have signed All Black scrum-half Jimmy Cowan.