HEAD coach Matt Farr and his assistant Aled Davies have left relegated Chester.
With the Hare Lane side preparing for life in North West Two next season, Farr and Davies have departed after their contracts ended.
The pair oversaw the injection of young players into Chester's back line, which showed much promise throughout a difficult season but began to mature just a little too late to save the club from the drop.
Farr said: 'It is a shame we cannot stay to build on the work we did this year. It was a disappointing season, but things were coming together and we could have developed the side further and built for the future.
'Unfortunately our contracts have run out and relegation means the club is looking closely at its finances.
'We wanted to carry on but the club could not afford to keep us. I understand that and I wish them all the best.'
Farr, who is looking to stay in rugby, added: 'I have nothing else lined up at the moment. We'll see how it goes but if a club offers me a position it would have to be the right club.'
Chester have replaced Farr with Rob Foden.
The former Chester head coach returns having taken a season out of the game after guiding Broughton Park into North West Two in 2005/06.
Chester director of rugby Steve Donovan said: 'It is a shame Matt and Aled have decided to go. But we have brought in Rob who has extensive contacts within the game and hopefully he will be able to bring in the players we need to strengthen key positions.
'We have the nucleus of a good side and we have managed to keep it pretty much together, we think, for next season. Phil Cottle has retired but we are hoping he will continue to play for the seconds and we have lost Anthony Dickey who has returned to New Zealand.
'We need to strengthen some areas and we feel that Rob can do that as we try to gain promotion out of North West Two next season.'
