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alibev
alibev
12 February, 2017 22:37
As with all players who want to leave our club:

1) @#$%& off ford
2) @#$%& off ford and
3) @#$%& off ford

He ain't the future, so he shouldn't be the present

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
12 February, 2017 22:46
Fact is, he will be the present. It is the only professional decision.

Flying Scotsman
Flying Scotsman
12 February, 2017 22:54
Quote:
Widcombe Boy
Quote:
BathMatt53
For those wanting Finn Russell I assume you watched his kick just before half time today?

Rushed unecessaarly by Pyper, when he still had 30 secs to take the kick

Agreed. Otherwise had a solid game under difficult circumstances. That was a freak, once in a career moment and unfortunately for him it came in a major 6N match. Its harsh and unfair to use that as any measure of either his kicking or playing competency. I think everyone has seen what he can do this season and I think he'll just shrug that one off without too much concern.

wetside
wetside
12 February, 2017 23:17
Quote:
alibev
As with all players who want to leave our club:
1) f*** off ford
2) f*** off ford and
3) f*** off ford

He ain't the future, so he shouldn't be the present

As with all such nasty and in my view ignorant postings I always look at the time. Invariably they are late at night when alcohol consumption is peaking.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
13 February, 2017 09:15
Quote:
wetside
Quote:
alibev
As with all players who want to leave our club:
1) f*** off ford
2) f*** off ford and
3) f*** off ford

He ain't the future, so he shouldn't be the present

As with all such nasty and in my view ignorant postings I always look at the time. Invariably they are late at night when alcohol consumption is peaking.

Charming. Sounds like a football chant, some of them have this sort of 'traitor' view when people move on to pastures new.

We should be more interested what is best for the club and having him available to play (even if rather than Hastings on the bench) has to be a good thing for the rest of the season.

(I see that Freddie got concussed again - it seems a pretty regular occurrence?)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 13/02/2017 09:18 by BathMatt53.

fat lock
fat lock
13 February, 2017 09:24
If I were unhappy working in my job and others were available - I'd move.

I don't see any 'loyalty' to my employer over the need for them to treat me well (keep me happy) and for me to do my job to the best of my ability.

If I weren't doing my job properly they'd get rid of me, I doubt there would be much loyalty there.

All this 'stay and prove yourself' stuff is just silly. Life's too short to be miserable - especially if that's spilling over into my performance and so affecting my chances for advancement.

Clear off to pastures new - clear your head and have a fresh start. Start enjoying life again.

MESSAGES->author
hasta
13 February, 2017 09:30
Difference between a permanent job and a fixed term contract fatlock.

Bath Supporter Jack
Bath Supporter Jack
13 February, 2017 10:12
Also about availability of others.

If I was managing a Tesco Express and one of the floor staff was unhappy and appeared to want to leave I could ask/tell them to leave and probably get a replacement in a few days who on the face of it could be at least as good as the one asked to leave.

Top level Aviva Premiership flyhalfs are a bit more scarce and are all under contract somewhere else!

Bath335
Bath335
13 February, 2017 10:15
Quote:
Bath Supporter Jack
Also about availability of others.
If I was managing a Tesco Express and one of the floor staff was unhappy and appeared to want to leave I could ask/tell them to leave and probably get a replacement in a few days who on the face of it could be at least as good as the one asked to leave.

Top level Aviva Premiership flyhalfs are a bit more scarce and are all under contract somewhere else!

It's bit like presidents I guess

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
13 February, 2017 10:17
"Difference between a permanent job and a fixed term contract fatlock."

If I were on a time limited contract I'd be even less likely to stick around where I Wasn't happy at he end of that contract.

Bath335
Bath335
13 February, 2017 10:57
Agree Dan Wiley, but only GF knows his own mind and his contract. I would still like him to stay, even after 4 pages of speculation, but it's better that he's happy and we're free to focus on developing our own game - with a new 10 if necessary. Some comments would suggest that the players are owned gladiators, with the public having a say over their fate. They certainly have short careers, so we should respect their right to move and wish them luck, thanking them for the entertainment they have provided, if necessary. (IMHO, of course)

Boldngrey
Boldngrey
13 February, 2017 11:17
Quote:
DanWiley
"Difference between a permanent job and a fixed term contract fatlock."
If I were on a time limited contract I'd be even less likely to stick around where I Wasn't happy at he end of that contract.

Agreed, he's just exercising a get out clause.

To most his unhappiness makes no sense.

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
13 February, 2017 11:26
I agree that I don't really see why he's that unhappy. But for me, knowing him to be an adult, I assume that it's more about his continuing relationship with someone at the club rather than him being a bit childish. I really can't say I've seen any behaviour from him that's been less than that of a dedicated professional (you might be able to argue he's let his form has slip).

It could be even less dramatic than that though: he obviously has this option his contract, he might not have a particularly strong attachment to Bath (I would suspect most professionals don't have a strong attachment their current club, particularly if it's not the one they grew up with), what attachment he did have was upset by letting his dad go, he was offered a lot of money to go back to a club where he spent some formative years.

Bath Hammer
Bath Hammer
13 February, 2017 12:38
Sorry - but I still don't get it confused smiley

Boldngrey
Boldngrey
13 February, 2017 12:46
I think that's the point.

Only George and his nearest do.

opti
Optimist
13 February, 2017 12:49
Have to say that I am looking forward immensely to seeing the various official statements - this week, by all accounts - from George, from Bath and from Tigers. Going to be a wonderful PR challenge for someone!

fat lock
fat lock
13 February, 2017 13:46
Here you go Opti:
GF:
I've had a wonderful time at Bath Rugby and made some lifelong friends. The supporters have been fantastic (except for those on a minor internet forum). However I feel I need to move onto a fresh challenge and I thank Bath Rugby for recognising this and enabling me to move on. I look forward to my new challenge at Leicester and wish Bath all the best for the future.

Bath Rugby:
George has been a fantastic professional rugby player at Bath Rugby. He raised the option of leaving - we tried all we could to convince George to stay and be part of Bath Rugby's future, but he was very keen to move on to new challenges. We'd like to thank George for his time at Bath and wish him success in the future.

Leicester
We'd run out of tight head props to sign, so thought we'd sign a flyhalf for a change. Our intention is top play 9 man rugby and for George to never touch the ball, we've only signed him because he asked us to, and it would upset Bath.

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
13 February, 2017 13:54
I think you could trim tiggers' to just the last four words.

opti
Optimist
13 February, 2017 14:01
Ha ha - very good FL, and pretty much spot on.

miller8
miller8
13 February, 2017 14:10
Well his house is on the market now!

Boldngrey
Boldngrey
13 February, 2017 14:15
Fake news hits COML!

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
13 February, 2017 16:07
Quote:
fat lock
Here you go Opti:
GF:
I've had a wonderful time at Bath Rugby and made some lifelong friends. The supporters have been fantastic (except for those on a minor internet forum). However I feel I need to move onto a fresh challenge and I thank Bath Rugby for recognising this and enabling me to move on. I look forward to my new challenge at Leicester and wish Bath all the best for the future.

Bath Rugby:
George has been a fantastic professional rugby player at Bath Rugby. He raised the option of leaving - we tried all we could to convince George to stay and be part of Bath Rugby's future, but he was very keen to move on to new challenges. We'd like to thank George for his time at Bath and wish him success in the future.

Leicester
We'd run out of tight head props to sign, so thought we'd sign a flyhalf for a change. Our intention is top play 9 man rugby and for George to never touch the ball, we've only signed him because he asked us to, and it would upset Bath.

I think that Tigers are totally the opposite now - especially if George joins them - a team of expensive superstar backs (Toouma, Ford, Youngs, Manu, JPP) and fairly average forwards that a lot of people wouldn't know if they saw them on the street. The Mauger effect...

fat lock
fat lock
13 February, 2017 16:28
Don't let facts and common sense surface here BM53 - stereotypes make cheap posts so much easier!

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
13 February, 2017 16:31
Quote:
fat lock
Don't let facts and common sense surface here BM53 - stereotypes make cheap posts so much easier!

Oops sorry, yes you are right one dimensional grunters one and all with a bunch of no marks in the back line, embarrassing really..! Apologies.

by
by
13 February, 2017 17:48
Just saw this on another forum:

"Just a recap on our fans forum with Simon Cohen if anyone's interested lol. Ford and Burns isn't a swap deal we want to keep both and Freddie has been told that so it's up to him,we've agreed deal with Bath for GF just finalising his contract. Managerial consultancy firm will wrap up end of February, announcement in mid March and ,best news for me,new dor will choose his own coaching staff. Toomua will be back before end of season then some drivel lol"


Perhaps Freddie won't be coming after all.

Bath Hammer
Bath Hammer
13 February, 2017 17:52
If we don't get him we'll be stuffed!

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
13 February, 2017 18:23
Freddie signed for 2 more years in December so he may think he can sit back and take the money, knowing he will get at least 10 Prem starts if George is away with England or injured, plus coming off the bench. When signing it was assumed he would be first choice at Leicester as Williams was going and there was no talk of GF jumping ship IIRR. Might well suit him and depends on whether or not he is ambitious or not to regain his international slot, but knowing he is up against RP at our place. I sincerely hope he decides he will probably get more game time at the Rec, and may be number one choice in time. But he would have to fight for it and also depends on what the package Bath are willing and able to offer.

MESSAGES->author
jayeatman
13 February, 2017 18:25
Obviously we'll need a GF replacement but is FB the absolute best available? I would understand if there's reluctance to commit on both sides at this stage. On Bath's side because maybe there are other irons in the fire potentially better.



BATH supporter since 1975

Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
13 February, 2017 18:33
Quote:
jayeatman
Obviously we'll need a GF replacement but is FB the absolute best available? I would understand if there's reluctance to commit on both sides at this stage. On Bath's side because maybe there are other irons in the fire potentially better.

At the present time I think he is. We need a 10 that suits our gameplan, is available season long and available now.

Who would you suggest, even if they are unavailable?

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
13 February, 2017 18:37
We have one of those, we could get through next year with a short term signing and in the mean time look for someone who is actually good.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
13 February, 2017 18:38
Quote:
Bathovalballer
Freddie signed for 2 more years in December so he may think he can sit back and take the money, knowing he will get at least 10 Prem starts if George is away with England or injured, plus coming off the bench. When signing it was assumed he would be first choice at Leicester as Williams was going and there was no talk of GF jumping ship IIRR. Might well suit him and depends on whether or not he is ambitious or not to regain his international slot, but knowing he is up against RP at our place. I sincerely hope he decides he will probably get more game time at the Rec, and may be number one choice in time. But he would have to fight for it and also depends on what the package Bath are willing and able to offer.

I think that it was December 2015 not December 2016?

by
by
13 February, 2017 18:43
My opinion is very neutral regarding Burns, however with Biggar rumoured to be joining Saints, Beale out of contract, Toomua also on the cards with Leicester, then Madigan and Colin Slade over in France you have to wonder if we could get someone else. Personally if Priestland comes through this period well, I think Beale would be a fantastic signing as he could strengthen our depth amongst several positions in the backline.

annie blackthorn
annie blackthorn
13 February, 2017 19:57
Are there any promising fledgling 10's coming through the Academy currently? We used to 'turn out' good backs in days of yore e.g. Abendanon, Banahan being but two?

opti
Optimist
13 February, 2017 19:58
Burns is on his way, and personally, I think it's going to be great for him and great for Bath. We should be in the Champions Cup next year, so there will be loads of high-quality rugby for both RP and FB to share out. That means we have a fly-half week in, week out of international quality; two players who are in their peak years as 10s at this level. Both use their boot very imaginatively, and have great passing games. If I was TB, i'd be going after a real beast of a prop as the priority. Then, big decision needs to be made on whether Chris Cook can maintain a level close to Kahn, who needs to be kept fit and well for the biggest games.

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
13 February, 2017 20:20
I would have Hogaard in an instant but that isn't on, we do need an understudy for Khan, despite Cooks blinding try we need someone of KF's quality.

Sarries seem to find props, can't we ask Flo to find a mate?

Boldngrey
Boldngrey
13 February, 2017 20:50
Quote:
Optimist
Burns is on his way, and personally, I think it's going to be great for him and great for Bath. We should be in the Champions Cup next year, so there will be loads of high-quality rugby for both RP and FB to share out. That means we have a fly-half week in, week out of international quality; two players who are in their peak years as 10s at this level. Both use their boot very imaginatively, and have great passing games. If I was TB, i'd be going after a real beast of a prop as the priority. Then, big decision needs to be made on whether Chris Cook can maintain a level close to Kahn, who needs to be kept fit and well for the biggest games.

After Friday, Cooke plays at 11 or 14!

MESSAGES->author
hasta
14 February, 2017 06:36
Quote:
If I was TB, i'd be going after a real beast of a prop as the priority.

Totally agree with this.

gaz59
gaz59
14 February, 2017 08:31
Freddie is clearly not the kind of person who will "sit back and take the money", that is nonsense - he is personally ambitious and a real competitor. If he is coming then it will be because it is good for him, an opportunity to set out his stall and stake an international claim without being under the shadow - for whatever reason he hasn't yet fulfilled his potential. He will know that and will want to be where he has best chance of playing his game

But it is a big call for him - as Opti points out he is coming into his peak years and he will want to be confident that this decision is the right one - another two years of not quite breaking through would be deeply frustrtaing

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
14 February, 2017 08:49
Quote:
Garbageman
I'm looking forward to it, too much shizzle flying around for too long. Any chance Billy will follow him back home idc? Apparently the brother with more innate talent in age group rugby

Any their old man too?

[www.bathchronicle.co.uk]

bathleds
bathleds
14 February, 2017 08:50
Announcement expected today on this confirming the swap.

Bath Supporter Jack
Bath Supporter Jack
14 February, 2017 09:00
It will be good to bring this to an end.......then we just have the Brexit thread to finish and we can get back to real rugby matters!!!!

opti
Optimist
14 February, 2017 09:14
"another two years of not quite breaking through"

Not sure I buy that he hasn't broken through. He took a big risk by going up to Leicester - at that point he had a reputation for being a bit mercurial/flaky (pick your preferred adjective for any fly-half who doesn't tackle like Wilko) - but Leicester must have seen some dog in him; he had intense competition from Williams and he won that battle without ever expecting to be conferred with some ego-massaging 'first-choice' status, won the Tigers fans, and only a couple of months ago had Cockers singing his praises.

I'm sure he'd love to have been in the England picture. Anyone who saw him in the 1st Test away to the All Blacks in summer 2014 (while Ford was, 'getting his shoulder sorted' - or, as it's also known, 'skipping what had all the makings of being a Tour to Hell') would have imagined he would be.

As it happens, both Ford and Farrell are world-class 10s. Losing out to them doesn't mean 'not breaking through' - certainly not at AV level.

alibev
alibev
14 February, 2017 10:16
Quote:
BathMatt53
Quote:
wetside
Quote:
alibev
As with all players who want to leave our club:
1) f*** off ford
2) f*** off ford and
3) f*** off ford

He ain't the future, so he shouldn't be the present

As with all such nasty and in my view ignorant postings I always look at the time. Invariably they are late at night when alcohol consumption is peaking.

Charming. Sounds like a football chant, some of them have this sort of 'traitor' view when people move on to pastures new.

We should be more interested what is best for the club and having him available to play (even if rather than Hastings on the bench) has to be a good thing for the rest of the season.

(I see that Freddie got concussed again - it seems a pretty regular occurrence?)



Fair point, though more caffeine fuelled than alchohol. I'm not quite as sanguine as some on here, could be interesting if it comes down to us vs Tigers for a European slot. Hopefully we'll be in the top four and it wont matter. Oh, and when he goes, for a huge amount of money, he'll take all our back moves, defensive alignments, attacking alignments, penalty and free kick moves and line out calls/moves with him. To one of our most bitter rivals. Makes the Arscotts look like small beer. So, if I could put it more politely, thanks George, have a little break whilst we work out some evolving tactics based around Rhys. Or, with Freddie coming here, do we just swap tactics and end up like Tigers?

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
14 February, 2017 10:55
Every transfer runs the risk of passing on info from one club to another. Moves, defences, alignments change and evolve. Its the players that make the scores not the whiteboard stuff.

Few players stay with the same club all their careers its the move to different clubs, countries and regimes that builds the experiences that make top players. I don't really get the bitterness, the club will cope.

Personally I feel more optimistic based on the 14 players, bench, coaches and owner than regretting the loss of the one that is leaving.

Budicus
StuartMMoss
14 February, 2017 11:09
Confirmed on the offy twitter feed...



Sam Underhill - Adopted Player 2023-24
Johannes Jonker - Adopted Player 2022-23
Sam Underhill - Adopted Player 2021-22
Juan Schoeman - Adopted Player 2020-21
Max Green - Adopted Player 2019-20
Francois Louw - Adopted Player 2018-19
Luke Charteris - Adopted player 2017-18

Bath-Boi
A.M 180
14 February, 2017 11:11
A very significant day for both clubs futures

VinceJ
VinceJ
14 February, 2017 11:14
And on the Offy website

Burns In Ford Out

MESSAGES->author
BathSalmon
14 February, 2017 11:16
I'm very happy with this. Two international quality fly halves with us all season and I assume a very good compensation package.

Thank you George for the memories.

Now we can all move on.

Great move.

Salmon



Adopted Player 18-19: Anthony Perenise
Adopted Player 17-18 & 16-17: Dave Attwood
Adopted Player 15-16: Matt Garvey

by
by
14 February, 2017 11:18
Well at least we can all move on now.

MESSAGES->author
Griff
14 February, 2017 11:18
So who saw this coming? (Sm100) Glad it's all over and sorted, time for all concerned to move on. Good luck George and welcome back home Freddy. Though George on his day is world class, I feel this is a good bit of business by the club and good for Bath rugby.



"It's all right, Andy! It's just bolognaise!"

Arthur Cordwell Adopted Player 2023/24

MESSAGES->author
TCM2007
14 February, 2017 11:28
While neither Burns nor Preistland are quite as good as George, the advantage of having two 10s who are a capped internationals but are likely to be with us all season is not to be sniffed at.



Stuart

Former ed.

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
14 February, 2017 11:31
Now then, what are we going to talk about now??

A pleasing result in my view, Tigers board are not exactly over the moon!

Bath335
Bath335
14 February, 2017 11:32
Quote:
BathSalmon
I'm very happy with this. Two international quality fly halves with us all season and I assume a very good compensation package.
Thank you George for the memories.

Now we can all move on.

Great move.

Salmon

+1

George was at times a scintillating past, now to the future and best of British to both he and Freddie

by
by
14 February, 2017 11:35
I think bath definitely came out on top, hopefully that compensation will allow us to strengthen the squad.

As a tigers fan I would feel slightly betrayed given that cockers was told that the club can't afford to sign injury replacements. without cockers now and without a couple of good forward signings I could see them struggling a bit next season.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
14 February, 2017 11:36
[www.bathrugby.com]

Boom.

The Club can also confirm that George Ford will leave at the end of the season to join Leicester Tigers.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 14/02/2017 11:37 by BathMatt53.

incastrowetrust
Ayerzawannabe
14 February, 2017 11:40
Quote:
by
I think bath definitely came out on top, hopefully that compensation will allow us to strengthen the squad.
As a tigers fan I would feel slightly betrayed given that cockers was told that the club can't afford to sign injury replacements. without cockers now and without a couple of good forward signings I could see them struggling a bit next season.

Cockers knew how much cap and money we had.

P G Tips
P G Tips
14 February, 2017 11:40
Glad we now have this settled.

Personally I wish George well (through gritted teeth) -I think him one hell of a talent. However, if his heart is not in it, a move is best for all.

I feel confident though that he will deliver of his best for us while he remains here - out of professionalism, self-interest and desire for trophies - if not for the team mates he has referred to in his statement.

With 8 AP games to go I think this gives us more stability for the season, rather than less and a clear squad to plan with for next season.

PG

hipster1676
hipster1676
14 February, 2017 11:43
Good luck George but I hope you get smashed by Mr Underwood at the Rec next year. I am sure that Rhys and Freddie will do us proud.

Bath-Boi
A.M 180
14 February, 2017 11:43
Quote:
hipster1676
Good luck George but I hope you get smashed by Mr Underwood at the Rec next year. I am sure that Rhys and Freddie will do us proud.
Have I missed two signings?

hipster1676
hipster1676
14 February, 2017 11:45
Underhill even

P G Tips
P G Tips
14 February, 2017 11:53
"Good luck George but I hope you get smashed by Mr Underwood at the Rec next year. "

More fake news?

Is it Rory or Tony coming out of retirement in a further Leicester-Bath swap?

PG

dr.bath1865
dr.bath1865
14 February, 2017 11:56
Thanks George. It's been fun.

Welcome home, Fred. Looking forward to seeing what he can do over the next 3/5 years. He has all the experience required at club and international level, and, like C Hodgson or A Goode, you don't need to be the best fly-half in England to be the fly-half for a side that wins the league and Europe.

Sad to be losing George who I've greatly enjoyed watching. That semi-final on the Rec v Leicester was one of the very best days, and he made it all happen that day. But I think we've got a great deal out of a tough situation. So well done Bruce.

I hope Bruce spends the compensation dosh on something or someone absolutely brilliant.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
14 February, 2017 11:57
Quote:
P G Tips
"Good luck George but I hope you get smashed by Mr Underwood at the Rec next year. "
More fake news?

Is it Rory or Tony coming out of retirement in a further Leicester-Bath swap?

PG


Carrie Underwood, American singer, songwriter, and actress (winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005). More recently seen cleaning the lavvies at the Rec and nobbling any opposition players when nobody is looking.



[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]

P G Tips
P G Tips
14 February, 2017 12:11
Four points on this:

1. Burns may not be as good as Ford, but while his flair game has not developed at Tigers, his game control has. Perhaps he has been limited by Tigers' game plan? As one of them says on their board: "Oh and don't worry George you did not miss anything while you were gone..."

2. You do not need a world class fly half to win trophies -Leicester themselves prove that with 2 European Cups and 4 Premierships guided by Andy Goode, Austin Healey, Toby Flood, Sam Vesty. You do need a good all round squad.

3. The coaching and squad makeup of Tigers for next season is uncertain, while Blackadder is creating a success story at Bath and building a strong forward platform to lay foundations for an all out attacking game.

4. The longer this saga has gone on, the more I have come to hope that the swap is true- we lose a world class FH for sure, but gain 2 international quality players who can both control a game and spark an attack minded approach.Now coaches, squad and fans know what we are dealing with- onwards and upwards.

All in all I think we end up in credit on this one.

PG

Bryan Allen
beastieboy
14 February, 2017 12:13
Thanks George, fantastic player. Good luck at Leicester. Such a huge shame you have decided to leave Bath.

Boldngrey
Boldngrey
14 February, 2017 12:24
Dear Mr Craig.

Please buy a TH.


BnG

opti
Optimist
14 February, 2017 12:32
Anyone unhappy that we could field the following starting XV next season?

Catt Dunn Thomas
Ewels Attwood
Underhill Faletau Louw

Kahn, Burns or RP
Tapuai Joseph
Fruean Watson Roko


....room for a slightly more frightening front-row, and another back 3 option, but that, to me, is shaping up for a side that can play big Champions Cup games.

MESSAGES->author
hasta
14 February, 2017 12:35
You've got Banners, Tom Homer, Brew, Davies, Wilson/Williams as back three options. Big Ugly Tight Head please!

opti
Optimist
14 February, 2017 12:38
Got Garvey, Denton, Charteris kicking their heels too!

gaz59
gaz59
14 February, 2017 12:39
Very happy with that outcome

But who the ffing eck writes this stuff?

"The opportunity for me to represent my hometown club is one I have dreamt of from the day I started playing rugby..."

incastrowetrust
Ayerzawannabe
14 February, 2017 12:40
Quote:
shipwrecked
Now then, what are we going to talk about now??
A pleasing result in my view, Tigers board are not exactly over the moon!

A lot of fans still very salty he left gautrntee you that if Ford had stayed and was now moving to say Bath the same people moaning about him coming back would be the ones moaning about why cant we keep our young international players etc.

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
14 February, 2017 12:43
Quote:
Ayerza wannabe
Quote:
shipwrecked
Now then, what are we going to talk about now??
A pleasing result in my view, Tigers board are not exactly over the moon!

A lot of fans still very salty he left gautrntee you that if Ford had stayed and was now moving to say Bath the same people moaning about him coming back would be the ones moaning about why cant we keep our young international players etc.

Hope it works for him, though in a selfish way, not too well!

TG Kesmo
TG Kesmo
14 February, 2017 12:51
So F Burns I'm a little bit meh, not lighting things up for Tigs at the moment. Bit worried that he d a couple of head knocks of late hopefully not another George North situation. And as for some saying he is a better attacking option than GF who have they been watching? Still anyone looks better with a good 9 viz Priestland with Kahn much improved this week so there may be hope that he gets his flair back ...but not til next season.

Boldngrey
Boldngrey
14 February, 2017 12:57
So we have two 10 and Leics only have one.

Neh neh ne neh neh.

ChippenhamRoman
ChippenhamRoman
14 February, 2017 13:00
The clash should be interesting.

Should we just swap fly halfs for the game?

J

opti
Optimist
14 February, 2017 13:01
"So we have two 10 and Leics only have one"

Leics have one who will miss large chunks of the season and never, ever fills in any other position.

We get two players who have both done a serviceable job at 12 and 15.

Bath Hammer
Bath Hammer
14 February, 2017 13:08
Quote:
Stuart Anderton
While neither Burns nor Preistland are quite as good as George, the advantage of having two 10s who are a capped internationals but are likely to be with us all season is not to be sniffed at.

I agree. It all depends upon fitness as up to now GF has had a fantastic fitness record which hasn't applied to RP & FB. RP has barely featured but going forward with both having plenty of game time & a chance to integrate with the team instead of a 95% player we will have 2 x 75%. Who will be the back up? Will it be Hastings or Jennings or ANO??

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
14 February, 2017 13:13
Quote:
Bath Hammer
Quote:
Stuart Anderton
While neither Burns nor Preistland are quite as good as George, the advantage of having two 10s who are a capped internationals but are likely to be with us all season is not to be sniffed at.

I agree. It all depends upon fitness as up to now GF has had a fantastic fitness record which hasn't applied to RP & FB. RP has barely featured but going forward with both having plenty of game time & a chance to integrate with the team instead of a 95% player we will have 2 x 75%. Who will be the back up? Will it be Hastings or Jennings or ANO??

You beat me to it BH, both FB and RP play a more robust game and get injured more. Arent Hastings and Jennings off, which means Bowden as the backup (he signed in Dec 2015 for 2 1/2 years).

MESSAGES->author
Toast and Marmite
14 February, 2017 14:02
Quote:
Optimist
Got Garvey, Denton, Charteris kicking their heels too!

Erm, how can none of you have mentioned Zach Mercer!!



"No sprinkles. For every sprinkle I find, I shall kill you."

ELT
ELT
14 February, 2017 14:02
I believe Hastings and Jennings are off, so it looks like Bowden as third choice, unless both sides agree to an early release and Bath find someone who is more durable.

Priority now has to be a top-quality tight head. The squad would then look very strong for next season, especially with more improvement to come from the likes of Dunn, Walker, Ewels, Stooke, Mercer, Ellis and Clarke. I hope to see more from Will Homer, too.

Petros
Petros
14 February, 2017 14:17
Quote:
BathOtter
Hodgson, Evans, Myler, Flood all 10s in the last 10 years to have won prem titles who you could argue were not world class

Wasps had Riki Flutey at 10 when they beat Leicester as Cipriani and Walder were both crocked

gaz59
gaz59
14 February, 2017 15:22
Let's hope they shake hands and swap shirts at the end of the Clash - priceless photo opportunity

Bath Hammer
Bath Hammer
14 February, 2017 15:25
This thread is about Freddie Burns, not tight heads & Zak Mercer etc. Bearing in mind the injury records of RP & FB we surely need a back-up f/h who has a good injury record, not Dan Bowden.

rodoftherec
rodoftherec
14 February, 2017 16:51
Quote:
rodoftherec
Told you GF was going to Tigers but no one believed me - still think he will definitely be there next season. WAGS are quite a good source if they are the daughter of your very good friend !

Good source - got it right - next time if there is one believe me - you heard it from me first and here he is at Leicester. Think he is vastly over rated personally and whilst sorry to see him go I don't think we will miss him as much as many think we will but time will tell. I just think that if Farrell was injured EJ may well pick another 10 !

Boldngrey
Boldngrey
14 February, 2017 20:28
Rod

I think you’ll find Malco beat you to it.

Malco 24 Oct 2016
‘A rugby writer I know has told me that George Ford has indicated that he will be joining another AP club for next season. Apparently every single club in the Premiership has expressed interest but Saints and Tigers have both put forward big money offers and are in negotiation.

Leicester is a different matter and I imagine they would be in pole position now. ‘

MESSAGES->author
hasta
14 February, 2017 21:44
Not that it actually matters, but 14th September

Quote:
hasta
...on the Eggchasers Rugby Podcast was him back to Tigers next season. He'd still have another year on his contract - but who knows how it's structured or if there are break clauses.
You could see how it could happen, but it'd be gutting...

Boldngrey
Boldngrey
14 February, 2017 21:51
Apologies.

MESSAGES->author
hasta
14 February, 2017 22:00
Credit to the Eggchasers really!

ade1865
Ade1865
14 February, 2017 22:35
Quote:
Petros
Quote:
BathOtter
Hodgson, Evans, Myler, Flood all 10s in the last 10 years to have won prem titles who you could argue were not world class

Wasps had Riki Flutey at 10 when they beat Leicester as Cipriani and Walder were both crocked

NZ had a certain Mr. Donald at fly half when they won the world cup.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
15 February, 2017 08:33
I had a browse through the boards for the others clubs this morning, exe, Wasps, saints, even shedweb. The view seems to be that it is a close thing but that Ford may struggle at Tigers and Burns may thrive and that we have got the better end of the deal.

Whether or not you agree with this opinion its interesting to see the neutrals view.

Ali1969
Ali1969
15 February, 2017 14:16
I don't get it guys and girls - Freddie is a flair player who plays what is in front of him, granted he has not kicked on with Tigers as he was expected to but that is down to a number of things.
1. Speed and accuracy of Youngs pass. 2. Tigers propensity to revert back to their strength of 9 man rugby whenever they are up against it, and 3. In recent years Tigers have not had the pack they used to and therefore the ball coming back is often scrappy or very slow.

Good luck to GF but although Tigers are building a good backline it is whether their playing styles will match GF's. JJ, Banners, Roko, AW etc at the end of the day made a lot of what GF has done look amazing.

Gf is a good player but in the words of Eddie Jones nowhere near the finished article. With KF's speed of pass and our forwards I am really excited because I honestly believe FB will be as good if not better than GF given the opportunity and the coaching.

Interesting on Tigers blog they are really split on good or bad in relation to GF, my mates who are die cast Tigers fans and they are not that happy with both FB going and the transfer fee paid on top of the swap. They are all very quick to point out GF's defence and believe we have got the better deal.

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
16 February, 2017 13:55
Freddie is king- long live the king.

For many reasons, this is as good a result as we could have hoped for in view of the family Ford shall we say unhappiness with the club and its owner (allegedly). We get a very good player who wants to play for the club in the city of his birth and where he played with distinction in the Academy, and the unhappiness and apparent resentments of recent times have been removed from the Club.

And of course with MF's going, we have the additional bonus of a new, innovative, more experienced and with better results coaching team in the two T's.

Seems good to me.

C'mon you Bath.

Personally, I would relegate George to second choice fly half as we need to look after our long term future, not his, and it would be difficult for him to be on the bench as he realistically can only cover one position in a bench of 3 backs one of whom must be a scrum half. As professional, as he and Todd says he is, I cannot see him putting his body on the line for a club and some players he just doesn't want to play with. I will support anyone in the B B & W 10 shirt as long as they are truly committed to the cause. I cannot see that in George's case.

incastrowetrust
Ayerzawannabe
16 February, 2017 14:09
If you are in the top 4 with Ford why would you drop him? Not saying he is the reason your there but why make changes for the sake of it?

Surely Bath have enough secured in there long term outlook to actually start thinking about the present.

P G Tips
P G Tips
16 February, 2017 15:17
Agreed AW.

It will be in Bath's best interest to play George unless he has a drop in form or is unfit.

He is said to be keen to win trophies. He also needs to keep his stock high for England and Lions opportunities.

He can do neither from the bench or if left out of squads for some petty and spiteful reason.

PG

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
16 February, 2017 15:36
It depends.
Priestland running a hot streak, is a better FH (and kicker) than Ford's average. So if Rhys develops a hot streak during the 6N; then George would need an equally hot streak to deserve the shirt in the first place.

If Rhys struggles to find form, then George should guide us for the rest of the season.

If they're somewhere in between, then the answer is somewhere in between.

Given their respective commitments to the club, I'd say that George would have a 5% handicap, in that he'd have to be playing about 5% better than Rhys to earn the shirt. Of course, that could be George playing at 70% potential with Rhys playing at 80% potential and it starts getting interesting.

I have no problem with benching Ford as either principal (but not a cutting-off-the-nose type principal), or with concern for cover on the bench - we've enough players who CAN play multiple positions to provide that cover, including Rhys himself.
Cook, Ford, Freuan is a pretty balanced bench; especially if Rhys is starting and able to cover 12/15 in case of injury; or with Watson and Homer both starting, etc etc.



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
16 February, 2017 15:52
Agree WT its pick the best you have irrespective of playing destination! I am sure that is what TB will do, he wants a trophy as much as anyone.

Beergoggles
Beergoggles
16 February, 2017 21:02
Ford would have to be having a shocker for Priestland to be a better option IMHO. I haven't seen anything from Priestland yet that gives me an ounce of confidence, hopefully he's got several more gears to run through.

miller8
miller8
17 February, 2017 06:13
Priestland has been given little opportunity to grow into his role at Bath. That time has come. More importantly he has committed his future to Bath, Ford hasn't so I know who I'd play!

SteveCh
SteveCh
17 February, 2017 08:49
RP showed his game has good variety against Northants. Still tends to sit a bit deeper than GF but has a running game and starting to use it. Much to do with getting a run of games with our first choice 9 and the quicker delivery he provides to the first receiver, be that RP or a n other.

Slow service forces the FH as first receiver to sit back to get the time/space to get the chosen play launched. If you are used to slower service, then your natural positioning reflects that. I expect RP to start to be flatter as the in game relationship develops more

Boldngrey
Boldngrey
17 February, 2017 08:58
I think Priestland's natural game is deep.

When he plays flat, I suspect he's playing to instruction and does not do so well. It's a problem as flat, with a deep third receiver holds a rush defence.

We'll see tomorrow.

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