Former Scottish Pro12 side Glasgow Warriors defense coach GARY MERCER is the new head coach of National League Two side Biggar. Mercer, who is a former New Zealand rugby league int'l, had been involved in a coaching role with Premiership side Glasgow Hawks this term, "but will now be in charge at Hartreemill going forward." Mercer, 49, "played and coached rugby league extensively in England before switching codes and starting to coach in union" (SCOTSMAN, 3/29).
ASTON VILLA NEWS: Former FA exec ADRIAN BEVINGTON has taken on a new role at EPL side Aston Villa. Bevington will work with new Villa Dir and former FA Chair DAVID BERNSTEIN and the board in "conducting the review into bottom-placed Villa's season, which is set to end in relegation." Bernstein is one of "several new faces in the Villa boardroom" along with MERVYN KING and former Villa Manager BRIAN LITTLE (BELFAST TELEGRAPH, 3/29). Manager REMI GARDE has left Aston Villa "by mutual consent" after four months at the Premier League's bottom club. The 49-year-old Frenchman replaced TIM SHERWOOD on a three-and-a-half-year deal in November, "but departs after six successive defeats." Villa won two of its 20 league games during Garde's tenure. A "short club statement thanked Garde" for his efforts "during a difficult period" and said that ERIC BLACK would take charge until a new manager was appointed (BBC, 3/29).
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