EDWARD Griffiths played a “significant” role in keeping Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership last season.

That’s the view of director of rugby Gary Gold who hailed Griffiths’ efforts behind-the-scenes at Sixways as “amazing”.

The ex-Saracens chief executive, who had been rumoured to be considering forming a consortium to take over Warriors, has ended his time as a consultant at the club.

When Griffiths and Gold were brought in in January, Warriors were just one place and one point above the relegation zone.

Gold’s arrival proved to be a turning point as he helped steer Worcester to safety, finishing 13 points clear of bottom side Bristol.

But the South African insisted Griffiths’ influence at Warriors should not be underestimated as he revealed the problems off the field doubled those on it.

Gold said Griffiths became a “communication tool” between players, coaches and senior management that he felt was “lacking”.

“The only thing I can say about the Ed situation is that I don’t think you can underestimate the role he played last year in the club staying up,” Gold said.

“He was a tremendous help.

“I am not sure how much people know about the dynamics of when you go into a club who you are trying to help avoid relegation.

“As much as you will see there is maybe problems on the field you can probably double that off the field.

“When Ed came along with me he played a significant role in all the off the field stuff.

“For both of us to play our part in both of those areas was significant.

“It is a pity from my side that he has moved on, but he was a consultant.

“I just think he has done an amazing job for the club so far, so I wish him well.”

Griffiths has previously worked with Gold, who secured a one-year deal to stay at the club in April, at the Sharks in South Africa.

Gold added: “Ed is an incredible administrator.

“Behind the scenes there is a huge strength and conditioning and medical department.

“There are also the coaches and there are people’s contracts and they need to know where they stand.

“He had all that dialogue with all the people in conjunction with myself and (helped) set the stalls out for the players and give (them) peace of mind.

“He was absolutely tremendous at being a communication tool between ourselves and maybe senior management that had been lacking before.”

After Griffiths came in, Warriors announced a further management shake-up in June with Gus Mackay appointed managing director, replacing former chief executive Jim O’Toole.

Mackay’s responsibility is to strengthen the commercial arm of the club who have reportedly lost more than £16million over the last three seasons.

Warriors confirmed earlier this week that they were looking for a new investor.