From flying high in 4th to dismal ignominy in 10th, I don’t know anyone that predicted that. I confidently predicted after a few weeks in the reign of Turkish that we would be in 4th in his 3rd season in charge. And we were, but for such a short time. So where did it all go so wrong?
Despite those that try to deny it a key factor has been the enormous number of injuries to key players. We all know the numerous names so I won’t bother to recite them here. Some have argued that other teams have had injuries. I’d love to see the stat for a team that has had so many 1st team players out for so long as we have, particularly our front row taking into account the reduced ferocity & effectiveness of our maul in recent weeks. One of the highest ranking coaches in the world said about Val “Best prop over the ball in Prem and strong scrummager!”.
And here’s a stat for those that love them, Bears hadn’t given away a single penalty in the 1st 60. We seemed to be handing them out like cake at a wedding. On the 61st minute the Great Big Sexy Beast that is Jamal entered the fray and in the last 19 minutes Bears gave away 9 penalties to our total of 10!! An immense turnaround. So yes, key injuries have had a massive impact.
But it’s not just missing key players. It’s the further impact it has on those fit enough to play with no rotational support to rely on. Having to play more games & for longer. As I’ve said so many times, this ain’t the game I played. I feel exhausted just thinking what the guys have gone through in 80 minutes. God alone knows what their bodies feel like. So injuries are a double edged sword.
But where else have we suffered? As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, the attack stats are appaling in comparison to last season. Last season an average score of 28.5 points per game with 3.8 tries. This season 21.75 points & 3 tries. An average difference of 6.7 points. We lost 5 games by less than that margin. That would be 12 wins. Current 3rd & 4th spot have 11 wins each. I have a huge amount of time for Tim Taylor and believe he is an extremely talented skills & kicking coach and has an awesome responsibility in his Academy Backs Transition Role. I believe we are already seeing benefits from this. But we need a knowedgeable & experienced dedicated attack coach.
The Rugby Paper has rumoured we are fishing for Ed Robinson, son of Andy. He was Attack Coach at Reds where they appear to have been fairly consistently middish table. Eddie Jones picked him up for some England Camps (from what was, in all honesty, a limited market availability) and he does seem to have other coaching attributes. He also recorded a podcast a few years back when he talked about creating tries from your own line. Well, we know we have the back line to make that happen, is he capable of lighting that fuse? Certainly, it seems, Turkish was hinting at an enlarged coaching team in his post match interview. There seems to be absolutely no confirmation on such an appointment anywhere, however.
We will be bringing in a few staff…coaching team this year is very skinny. We’ve got the smallest coaching team in the Prem by far and that’s something we’ve addressed!”
There has been a great deal of discussion on forums as to who should be the captain going into the new season. For me now and always it is Luds. The guy is a Gloucester legend and quite possibly it’s most passionate player, and that for me is a key driver. He alone will not make all the necessary decisions on the pitch, there will be huge input from senior leaders, the likes of Harris, Hastings, Singleton & others. He is polite & respectful to the ref and gives 100% every game. And one of the key things Turkish has done with the squad is instill the passion for club, city & fans. Luds epitomises that. For those that have any doubts recall his try in the game v Barff.
So, at the risk of being labelled a “happy clapper” what positives can we take from the season. It’s been a huge learning curve for the coaching team for a start and those calling for his head really don’t seem to appreciate what Turkish is bringing to the table. He has made some tough decisions and backs the squad. The whole team, coaches & players have grown & matured and many individuals have become hugely better players. The squad is going through evolution rather than revoluton and this can only be a good thing, few players out, few players in. Yes, I hate to see familiar faces, dedicated servants, leave but there has to be realism & pragmatism. And what of the young stars of the future that have had a baptism of fire this season? Certainly Seb Atkinson has deservedly won Young Player of the Season with his break out performance. But Blake & Jordan as well as others. The future IS looking bright even with a careful eye on the purse strings. I think many thought that what happened to Warriors & Wasps was impossible, but financial mismanagement will always bite you on the arse!
So, thank you to those leaving us for all your dedicated service over the years, it’s been a genuine pleasure to watch you. Ben, the very best of luck with your business. Billy, my good lady says you rock the new locks. Jordy, what do we nick-name you now? If we call you Predator those that don’t know will just give us funny looks! But to everyone else, here’s looking forward to the new season…….and a top four place!! 😉
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