OUTGOING Oakmeadians chief Tom Drewett headed through the Meyrick Park exit and then insisted he had succeeded in stabilising the club.

The Bournemouth-based outfit confirmed the departure of Drewett and announced former Heineken Cup player Crispin Cormack, a member of Oaks’ backroom team, as their new head coach.

Drewett had led Oakmeadians during a transitional period in the past two years but the team struggled last season and finished third from bottom in Southern Counties South.

He reported that a lack of finances had been a factor in his exit but said he wished Oaks well.

Drewett told the Daily Echo: “If we had stayed up in 2011, I think I might have done one more year.

“I think we achieved loads in the sense that I came here to stabilise the club. We had lost so many players and we needed to change the culture of the club. We achieved it.”

Drewett added: “I am looking at moving back to South Africa next year.

“Crispin is a good coach and is champing at the bit to have a go at it, so let’s give him the chance.

“I am pretty chuffed because I have got something lined up with the university in Portsmouth. I am also the head coach for London and South East under-20s.

“I am excited about moving forward and I wish the club all the best.”

Cormack, who moved to Poole in December 2010 to take a legal executive job with Coles Miller solicitors, boasts an impressive CV. He toured Australia with Wales and played for London Welsh, Cardiff Harlequins and Pontypridd, where he competed in Europe. His coaching career has included a stint in charge of the Cardiff Blues development squad.

Oakmeadians chairman Andy Walton said: “We would like to thank Tom for the help and support that he has given the club during his time with us. We wish him luck in the future.

“We are pleased to be able to offer Crispin the role of head coach. He has been with the club for two years as our backs coach and has supported Tom in the day-to-day management of the team.

“It is very important that clubs at our level ensure that they have coherent succession planning in place to ensure a successful transition and with Tom’s help, Crispin has afforded us that opportunity.”