By Stuart Anderton
July 9 2016
So, is your cup half full or half empty?
i've set up a new poll on the site for you to indicate where you think we'll finish next May.
Annoyingly I can't link directly to it, and where it is will vary depending on which device you are are us g. But try here:
http://www.rugbynetwork.net/boards/list/s105.htm?1469#vote
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Quote:hasta
We lost because we were totally incoherent as a team.
Quote:ballsoutQuote:hasta
We lost because we were totally incoherent as a team.
Do you think Toby Booth, Darren Edwards will be able to sort that if the search for coaches (plural) drags on longer than expected? Morale is at an all time low and our squad is ridiculously small. Once Kyle and Priestland leave, we'll be left with 11 backs for instance, and three of those are scrum halves!
Quote:hasta
we're a 4th-6th level team.
Quote:ballsout
We were a mess with four coaches, that included one former international coach and one current international coach. How are we likely to go with just two?
What about replacements for Devoto, Eastmond, Fa'osiliva, Agulla and maybe Priestland? Not to mention extra players that we needed last season, let alone this.
Quote:Bathovalballer
All the internationals are away for the 4 AIs and 5 6 Nations. That is at least 9 out of 22 league games, plus of course no proper number 7 until late October/early November if Francois stays fit, which is remarkable for the amount of top quality rugby he plays!
Quote:Boldngrey
MF's gone and Eddie's restored George's mojo.
Quote:ballsout
I'm just trying to figure out what makes people think we'll do better this year, when we're in a far worse state now than we were last season. That said, good posts BathSalmon.
Quote:ballsout
Losing Houston and Eastmond will do nothing for the already rock bottom morale and discontent in the squad. I'd like to be positive but I think we're in serious trouble this year.
Quote:malco
As things stand, I don't see how anybody can have any confidence that we will have a better season than last year. If we can rapidly appoint a great new coaching team and some key players then we can have a lot more confidence.
Quote:BathSalmon
Just out of interest,
What can the club do between now and the season starting to help you become more optimistic about the season ahead?
- and does it all have to be in place before the opening fixture of the Premiership, or is there a little leeway in your minds?
(This is generally to those who have posted above)
Quote:OutsideBath
I bought my season ticket before MF was sacked thereby denying him the chance to improve on last season and in the process alienating our best player. I thought he had enough credit in the bank for at least one more season.
I bought my season ticket trusting the club would make some quality signings, they haven't.
If this independent review did happen maybe it should have concluded that some of the players were the problem and not the coach?
I consider myself a fan, but my patience is being sorely tested by BC/Tarquin and the prospect of another season at the basement of the table. I guess I'm in the minority though in thinking we will finish no higher than last season.
Quote:Which Tyler
Malco - which of Ford and Priestland do you not consider a "specialist senior FH"?
Quote:Ah ok, so I'm guessing you mean Rhys, who's reason for departure has departed, and who won't be released absent a suitable replacement (meaning we would have a specialist senior FH by definition)?malcoQuote:Which Tyler
Malco - which of Ford and Priestland do you not consider a "specialist senior FH"?
The one who almost certainly won't be here at the start of the season.
Quote:Which TylerQuote:Ah ok, so I'm guessing you mean Rhys, who's reason for departure has departed, and who won't be released absent a suitable replacement (meaning we would have a specialist senior FH by definition)?malcoQuote:Which Tyler
Malco - which of Ford and Priestland do you not consider a "specialist senior FH"?
The one who almost certainly won't be here at the start of the season.
Quote:Bath Supporter Jack
I think you naysayers above will be pleasantly surprised.
I think we will finish in the Top 6
Quote:malco
No other teams are signing new players right now because no other teams have left it to now and are still at bare bones in key positions.
Quote:hasta
Priestland is under contract. He won't be released without a replacement.
Quote:So under what circumstances would you decide that it makes sense to play your second choice 10 ahead of your first choice 10?hasta
Well no, I'd rotate him with George
Quote:OutsideBathQuote:hasta
Priestland is under contract. He won't be released without a replacement.
Absolutely no point holding a player to contract when he doesn't want to be here, no guarantee he will give 100% and may well be a disruptive influence in the squad.
Quote:malcoQuote:So under what circumstances would you decide that it makes sense to play your second choice 10 ahead of your first choice 10?hasta
Well no, I'd rotate him with George
In games that are of low significance. Mikey mouse European and Anglo Welsh cup matches.
Do you think Priestland will be happy with this?
Quote:malco
Hodgson was well into his 30s, retired from international rugby and planning for his retirement. He was happy to play second fiddle.
Quote:DanWiley
Did Ford? RP played almost as much as him, at 10, I don't recall George complaining.
Quote:noidea
I'm sure Bruce & co know we need a starting 12 & backup 13 & hopefully another tighthead - I hope they had a chance to look at a few S15 options.
I imagine they would want the incoming coach to have had an input, so hopefully all will be made clear in the not too distant future.
Quote:Bathovalballer
When will some people be realistic. Yes we have some top talent on board but they haven't played together -ever. That takes time and as many will be away with their countries, if they come back unscathed, we won't see them till late March, if none of them are injured! All the internationals are away for the 4 AIs and 5 6 Nations. That is at least 9 out of 22 league games, plus of course no proper number 7 until late October/early November if Francois stays fit, which is remarkable for the amount of top quality rugby he plays!
Without good solid back up performers, which we don't have at the moment, we are realistically looking at 8/9th at best, and that is assuming Booth and Edwards can motivate the guys on their own. Also, put yourself in their shoes, why should they bust a gut. knowing that the arrival of super coach, their jobs are likely to disappear unless they click with the new guy?
Just be realistic please and see where we are. Or otherwise you will be hugely disappointed! 4/6th indeed, I thought I was being optimistic!
Quote:Freshfordboy
Anyone know when the European fixtures are released?
Quote:southgate
After the sevens at sandy park Bristol fans are apparently confident at staying up (posted by a chuff)and they think it will be at our expense should be red rag to a bull.
Quote:gaz59
Boldingrey if you look at the number of defeats the team in 6th place usually concedes in a season, it usually 9 or 10 in a full season
Saints have already lost 5 from only 9 games
We've lost 1 from 8
Top 6 for us is far from nailed on but it is a high probability
Quote:Bathovalballer
We always have a chance By, but even with our extra players back, we will do well to get a win.
Looking at the form book and results and squad depths, I see Sarries top, Wasps second, Leicester third, Exeter 4th, Quins 5th and 6th between us Saints and Gloucester. IF we do beat Sarries,and it is a big if, we will definitely be top 6 IMV as it would be such a boost to morale. Saints must come good soon and I believe Glaws are turning the corner and will come into it more as the season progresses. If we lose, I am sticking to my preseason prediction of 7th and top 6 would be a really good result.
IMO the Quins game takes on a huge importance to our final league position, as we may well struggle to get anything from either Sarries or Wasps, and Exeter at home is going to be vital as well. Time will tell.
Quote:Bathovalballer
We always have a chance By, but even with our extra players back, we will do well to get a win.
Looking at the form book and results and squad depths, I see Sarries top, Wasps second, Leicester third, Exeter 4th, Quins 5th and 6th between us Saints and Gloucester. IF we do beat Sarries,and it is a big if, we will definitely be top 6 IMV as it would be such a boost to morale. Saints must come good soon and I believe Glaws are turning the corner and will come into it more as the season progresses. If we lose, I am sticking to my preseason prediction of 7th and top 6 would be a really good result.
IMO the Quins game takes on a huge importance to our final league position, as we may well struggle to get anything from either Sarries or Wasps, and Exeter at home is going to be vital as well. Time will tell.
Quote:Bathovalballer
We always have a chance By, but even with our extra players back, we will do well to get a win.
Quote:annie blackthorn
I stillthink after reading all of the recent above, that we will be in the top 6.
Currently, Blackadder et al are still 'new' and I doubt that we will be in a position to beat the top 4 this season.