FORMER Gloucester prop Phil Vickery believes new head coach Bryan Redpath is the right man to lead the club forward after Dean Ryan's departure.

Vickery, who captained the British & Irish Lions on Saturday against Western Province and lines up against the Springboks in the first test today, only briefly got to know the former Scottish international before he joined London Wasps in 2006.

But the England forward says Redpath needs to be backed by everyone including the supporters who may have wanted a bigger name installed like South Africa's World Cup winning coach Jake White.

"I was only there with Bryan for a short time at the club," Vickery said.

"He is a good bloke, a very knowledgeable bloke and a fantastic player and is someone who I personally have a huge amount of respect for and certainly wish him well.

"But I think people need to get it straight, particularly from a press point of view, going for big names does not always work and sometimes you need to promote from within, identify someone, give them some time and give them the resources they need.

"Gloucester Rugby Club is a fantastic rugby club. The supporters and every part of it is very special and I hope now they can start talking about the future of the club rather then talking about the negatives."

Although Vickery admitted he was sad to see former director of rugby Ryan leave, at least all parties can now put all the uncertainty behind them and look forward to a bright future.

"It is very sad. At the end of the year there was so much going on and people did not seem to know what was happening," he added.

"I am just obviously pleased for Dean, the supporters, players and guys who want to get back for pre-season. At least now they will know what is going on.

"But obviously I feel for Dean as well because he has been there for a while.

"Hopefully now they can build and move forward and put it to bed and move on instead of just talking about what is going on and all the rumours surrounding the club.

"At least now they can move on and I certainly wish Bryan all the best for next season."

● Gloucester's Marco Bortolami has been named in the Italy team for today's clash with Australia. The lock will earn his 62nd cap for the Azzuri in Melbourne as they look to avenge last week's 31-8 defeat to the Wallabies in Canberra.