DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons admits he has “no idea” how close the club is to securing new owners despite agreeing a long-term contract.

The ex-Edinburgh chief has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal to replace Gary Gold in the hot seat at the Aviva Premiership outfit.

But the future ownership of Warriors has yet to be resolved since Sixways Holdings Limited put the club up for sale in September.

Worcester’s bosses were hopeful of landing new investment before Christmas but the process now looks set to drag on into 2018.

And Solomons conceded he was unaware with how talks were going behind the scenes before being appointed as boss last Saturday.

“I have been focused solely on the rugby,” Solomons said.

“I have got no idea what is happening with regard to the sale of the club or anything like that.

“I think in rugby and in life you have always got to focus on the things you can control.

“We need to focus on the rugby as we have got a tough job to do.

“This is a very tough competition so we need to stay focused on the competition.

“In the two months I have been here that’s certainly what we have been doing.

“If we weren’t we would not have managed to achieve what we have done.”

Solomons arrived at Sixways in mid-October as a consultant and stepped into Gold’s shoes when he was back in South Africa with his family.

But less than week before the deadline for applications in early November chairman Bill Bolsover said the 67-year-old had not put his name in the mix.

Gold also insisted his “mentor” who has more than 20 years of experience in coaching was not interested in taking anyone’s job.

But having helped to steer Warriors 10 points clear of the drop zone Solomons said discussions over taking a permanent position “took off naturally”.

“I was honoured to get the job,” Solomons said.

“I think it’s a terrific club with great support and great facilities.

“My focus was on doing the job that Gary wanted me to do and things just took off naturally.

“Being in the Premiership is a big challenge and I enjoyed the time that I had here.

“I got to know the people and I got to know the club and I thought it was a good fit.”

Solomons has also paid tribute to Gold who has ended his 11-month reign as Warriors chief to become USA’s head coach.

The South African guided Worcester to safety following his appointment in late January and gained 37 points from his 20 league games in charge.

Since 2006 Warriors’ highest Premiership season-long points haul is 36. “I think Gary did a terrific job,” added Solomons who is preparing his side for their trip to Saracens on Saturday (3pm).

“He came here when the club was in grave difficulties and finished last season on a really good note.

“The environment is positive and is a good coach and a good bloke.

“He is back in South Africa with his family over the Christmas period but he will not be at Saracens.

“But the way we have transitioned it nothing really has changed.”