Ian Carvell, who is deep in negotiation to assume control of Coventry rugby club, has resigned as the club's chief executive, writes Michael Blair.

Graham Robbins has also stepped down as a director of the club.

"We are doing this for the good of the club," said Carvell last night. "There has been no fall-out with anybody."

For the past 12 weeks, Carvell and ex-England and Coventry No 8 Robbins have been prime movers in a duediligence operation to ascertain the value of the club prior to their taking it over.

"That is still on-going," said Carvell. "But we are very close to the start of the new season now and an obvious conflict of interests arises. Neither Graham nor I believe that it is in the best interests of the club that we carry on.

"We do not want to see the club diverted. We want them to make a flying start.

"As we see it, Mike Umaga (head coach) should be left alone to get on with the job. We are sure that he'll do a fantastic job."

As for the possibility of Carvell and Robbins taking control, Carvell said: "If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, that's life."