OLD PATESIANS director of rugby Dave Pointon says Lee Fortey has a big future after being snapped up by Cinderford as assistant coach to Phil Greenaway.

Following Mark Cornwell's departure from the Dockham Road side, Greenaway was appointed new head coach earlier in the week with Fortey being brought in to help him.

And after watching the former Gloucester and Worcester Warriors prop progress in his two seasons at Everest Road, Pointon is confident Fortey can go far in the game.

"A lot of people can coach, but not many can put it over with a sense of humour. He could well develop into a high level coach. I think he can go far," former Gloucester fly-half Pointon said.

"He goes with my absolute blessing. He is a good coach and he has done very well.

"We will miss him, of course we will. Not just for his coaching ability but his personality as well. He brings a lot with him.

"He has been with Gloucester and Worcester and he is working his way up the coaching ladder."

Fortey helped Pointon guide Pats to fourth place in South West One last year and the St Peter's High School coach said he would be looking for a replacement for the former Moseley, Newport and Pertemps Bees man.

Fortey said he had many happy memories from his time at Pats and wished his former club all the best for the future.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Pats and hopefully they can carry that on now," he said.