The two longest-serving members of Edinburgh's management succumbed to the inevitable yesterday when head coach Michael Bradley was effectively dismissed while Billy McGinty, the defence coach, resigned.

The decisions follow the latest dreadful performance by last season's Heineken Cup semi-finalists as they were drubbed by a sub-strength Munster side in Bradley's native Cork on Saturday, their eighth consecutive defeat. A statement made it clear that Bradley had been told to go, stating he "will not have his contract renewed at the end of this season".

Mark Dodson, the SRU's chief executive, has now had the job of telling all three of the professional head coaches who were in place when he was appointed 18 months ago that their time was up.

He thanked Bradley and McGinty for their efforts but made clear his dissatisfaction, saying: "This season's results have been below the standards expected by the club and its fans and we believe the time is right to begin the search for a fresh coaching team."

Positive throughout an appalling season, Bradley, who led Edinburgh to the greatest achievement in the history of Scotland's professional teams when they reached the last four of the Heineken Cup last term, showed dignity in thanking all involved with the club for their support. He will stay in post until the end of the season and voiced his determination to play a part in starting the process of turning things around.

"I am very disappointed by the run of results and will put everything into the remainder of the season to help the club build for a brighter future," Bradley said.

McGinty has struggled to bring defensive solidity to the team, last year's Heineken Cup run having been much more down to attacking flair than an ability to keep opponents at bay, but said he had enjoyed his time with the club and wished Edinburgh well.

Neil Back, the forwards coach brought in last summer on a two-year contract, will remain in post.