Geech - adviser
The news that Geech, as he is known throughout world rugby, has been recruited in an advisory role at Kingsholm has been greated by universal approval inside the club and amongst the fans.
If owner Tom Walkinshaw had made the move with anybody but Bryan Redpath (right) as head coach, it might be seen as a move which could undermine the coaching set-up.
But Redpath and Sir Ian go back a long way and it really does look as if the move is designed to take some of the weight off Redpath and to give him an extra pair of eyes to look at games, tactics, players and every other aspect of the playing side at the club.
At many clubs, it could be seen as potentially disruptive because few coaches would welcome the arrival of such a big name, no matter how diluted his role might be.
Redpath, though, is delighted and he told the Citizen: "I've known Geech for many years now and his record speaks for itself. In this game, you can't afford to stand still, you need to keep looking for ways to improve things.
"He is unique in the game of rugby union and the opportunity to work with him and benefit from his knowledge and experience is fantastic."
So far, so good. Perhaps Redpath's comment to the BBC explains things better: "He doesn't want to get massively involved with the coaching. It's more to get involved with my development.
"He wants to make sure I am on the right track and doing the right things, and hopefully we can benefit from it."
Sir Ian himself says: "It's a terrific challenge. Gloucester as a club really do have so much potential. I think, as is shown by recent results, that things are certainly moving in the right direction under Bryan and the rest of the coaching staff.
"It's a great club, a real rugby club with a great stadium and tremendously loyal supporters. My job now is to work with Bryan with the aim of helping Gloucester take the next step and realise their massive potential.
"I'm very excited to be involved. I've already been around the training ground and met everyone and can't wait to get started."
Everything’s hunky-dory, then and in an exclusive interview with the Citizen, TW himself (left) makes it sound even better: "Ian McGeechan is recognised as the best rugby coach in the world. We're fortunate he wants to work with us and our coaching staff. He likes the club and that's excellent. It can only be positive.
Does he not get on with somebody at the club? Does he not agree with the way the team plays? Does he have personal reasons for the delay? or are we reading too much into all this and it;s just a matter of contract small print?
We’ll probably never know, but the fact that he has said he would love to stay is a good sign.
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