SACKED Dragons boss Bernard Jackman insists that he has left the Rodney Parade region in a better place for his successor.

The former Ireland hooker was axed halfway through a three-year contract at the start of December.

Jackman was brought in by the Welsh Rugby Union, who had just taken over control of the Dragons, in the summer of 2017.

He oversaw dramatic off-field change but struggled to produce the goods on it with a record of P44, W11, L31, D2.

A home humbling against Guinness PRO14 champions Leinster, when his former team ran in nine tries in a 59-10 hammering despite leaving their stars in Dublin, proved to be the last straw for chairman David Buttress.

The board are hunting a permanent replacement for Jackman and the former head coach, who is spoken of highly by the majority of the squad, insists the new man will profit from his groundwork.

"It was a rebuild project and it is still in a rebuild phase, but it is in a much better place than when I got it," he told 2fm’s Game On in his homeland. "I’m confident the right structures are in place"

“We didn’t get the results quickly enough and as head coach you have to take responsibility for that.

"We looked to keep the best people in the Dragons, which we did and bring in the best coaches, which we did. When players haven’t had access to a quality backroom team ever, it does take time. I’m confident the right structures are in place."

Jackman handed opportunities to a glut of Dragons prospects in his first season at the helm – including rising Wales star Aaron Wainwright – before bringing in 14 new faces last summer.

Caretaker boss Ceri Jones has held the reins for battling displays against French giants Clermont Auvergne and Cardiff Blues, when beaten by the last kick, before ending the four-year derby drought with last Sunday’s success against the Ospreys.

Jackman admits his frustration that his changes didn’t bring about a quicker turnaround in results.

"I like to think I have a growth mindset. If you look back and say, ‘I wish I had more time’, it will affect your ability to learn from the next challenge,” he said.

"In any job in rugby, you don’t know how long you will be there. I have no regrets. Obviously there is frustration around the results, but you have to work hard and be patient.

"The big thing for me was I could see development in the players from day to day."

Jackman, who is set to work as an analyst for the Dragons’ game with Munster at the end of the month, is hopeful of another coaching job, whether as a deputy or head coach.

For the full interview and audio go to https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2019/0103/1020216-jackman-next-rugby-role-doesnt-have-to-be-head-coach/