Andy Robinson has left his role as Bristol director of rugby, the club have announced.

Robinson was suspended last week following the club's poor start to the season which has seen them fail to win any of their seven league games this campaign and Mark Tainton was appointed as acting head coach.

The former England and Scotland head coach has been in charge since March 2013 and led the club to the Championship title and promotion to the Aviva Premiership last season but has departed Ashton Gate with immediate effect.

Bristol chairman Chris Booy said: "We thank Andy for his contribution to the overall coaching set up at the club. Unfortunately, the board lost confidence that Andy would retain the club's Premiership position, bearing in mind the results to date.

"Andy departs with the knowledge that he made a significant contribution in helping Bristol return to the Premiership this season. Andy leaves with the club's very best wishes and we all wish him every success in the next chapter of his career."

Robinson signed a new three-year deal with Bristol in August after helping the west country outfit end their seven-year exile from the top flight, but the club sit seven points adrift at the foot of the Premiership table with just two points from seven games.

They were also beaten by Cardiff Blues and Bath in the European Challenge Cup and went down to Worcester on Friday evening in their opening Anglo-Welsh Cup clash.

Robinson led Bristol to promotion last season (Getty)

Robinson said: "I am extremely proud to have played my part in helping Bristol Rugby reach their goal of getting back to the Aviva Premiership after a long seven-year absence.

"As everyone appreciates, the start of the season for Bristol Rugby has been extremely tough. However, I was surprised and disappointed by the board's decision.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with the club for some very special memories and wish them all the best for the future."

South African pair Heyneke Meyer and Gary Gold have previously been linked to Bristol's senior coaching role.