The former Scotland international announced he was stepping down from his position at Kingsholm on Tuesday following a run of four straight defeats.

His decision has only increased speculation that Redpath is set to take over at Sale, the club who the Cherry and Whites face on Saturday in a crunch Aviva Premiership clash for the battle to secure Heineken Cup qualification.

Gloucester director Ryan Walkinshaw stressed Redpath's decision to leave was not connected to the vacancy at the Sharks, though he has now threatened a "no holds barred legal attack" if an approach has been made.

Suspicions

"Hardest 3 days so far in the job. Thanks to Brush (Redpath) for all he did. Now time to find the guy to bring our awesome squad to future glory," he said on Twitter.

"The players and the fans deserve a top level coach who will utilise the exciting squad we have to their maximum potential.

"As a club we will not stop until we find the right guy for the job, and who we believe will support the team to win Premierships and HC's (Heineken Cups).

"BUT if we find ANY evidence to increase our suspicions that Sale have manufactured this we'll fight back with a no holds barred legal attack".

Redpath took charge of Gloucester in 2009, leading the club to the LV= Cup and the Premiership semi-finals where they were beaten by eventual champions Saracens.

Forwards coach Carl Hogg will take charge of the Cherry and Whites for the final two games of the season, starting with the showdown with Sale this weekend.