Bath
ED GRIFFITHS, CHAIRMAN OR TROUBLESHOOTER?
Griffiths: turnround
By PG Tips
May 9 2022
Bath have no fixture this week. There is in fact no Premiership rugby in a weekend given over to European Semi Finals, a level of the game that is a distant dream for Bath at present. So, in place of the usual preview, what to focus on? Most Rec fans cannot wait for this season to end and hope that, under new direction, the Blue, Black and White will rediscover winning ways and a return to joyful match days. A new coaching team will take the reins in the off season, with new players arriving. Perhaps the most significant new appointment though has already arrived – Chairman Ed Griffiths.
With over 35 year’s experience in sports administration Ed is best known as the CEO of Saracens from 2008-2015, the years of their transformation from premiership strugglers to Champions and leading contenders in Europe. Described by Gary Gold as “ an incredible administrator”, Griffiths can also claim CEO of SARU and consultant to South Africa’s bids for the 2012 Olympics (unsuccessful) and 2010 Football World Cup (successful) on his CV. Known for turning round underperforming sporting organisations (in 2017 his short term appointment was instrumental in saving Worcester Warriors from relegation) his forte is in identifying and correcting organisational weaknesses and creating robust and enduring management structures. So, will he be a “hands on” Chairman? He is unlikely to be personally involved with the playing side, coming from the “hire good people and let them get on with it” school of leadership. Gold again: “As much as you will see there is maybe problems on the field you can probably double that off the field. When Ed came along with me he played a significant role in all the off the field stuff.”
It was in Griffiths first year in charge at Saracens that the phrase “something special happening at Saracens” became the mantra of every new signing for the club. It seemed highly optimistic at the time- Bath scorning their ambition with a 66-21 humbling. I remember the incredulity when Bath’s Captain, Steve Borthwick left to join them. We all know how that worked out- he went on to Captain England, Saracens made the playoffs for 7 consecutive years from 2010, winning 3 Premierships and building the foundation for European Champions Cup triumphs in 2016, 17 & 19.
So what can hopeful Bath fans expect from Mr Griffiths? Crystal balls are notoriously murky, especially at the beginning of a turn round project and anyway, he alone will not shape the improvements Bath need- that will be down to the players and coaches. His time at Saracens gives some idea of what to expect.
First, he set about creating a club culture. Bonding sessions, team away days and involvement of families all played their part, but he also seeded Saracens through astute recruitment, bringing in good squad players with high work rates and a focus on the basics and offering second chances to quality players who had lost their way at other clubs. Tactics and choice of leaders were left to the coaches, but he had a major part in driving an “atmosphere” of positivity and graft, of selfless application in pursuit of results. If all that sounds relentless, it was, but time and space were made for fun; squad unity and morale even surviving a major “cull” of players in 2009.
When Ed arrived at Saracens they had no members of the England squad, by 2012 there were 4. The squad of 2015 which was to deny Bath glory in the Premiership Final could chose from 6 of England’s 6 Nations squad, 8 in the World Cup party, plus 9 other internationals from a total of 7 nations. No Saracen travelled with the Lions in 2009, but the next trip in 2013 had 3 in the original party, 1 more joining as injury cover. By 2017 there were 7, of whom 6 made the Test team. While some were recruits to the rolling Saracens bandwagon, the majority began their senior careers at the club.
In the first few years of their success, Saracens won few friends for their style of play, based on suffocating defence, territorial kicking and relentless pressure. Pundits though praised their work ethic, togetherness, and the quality of their basics. If error free rugby did not make for much cheer, winning did and by 2015 a high- quality backline had added flair and zip in attack. Bath fans may be treated to “rugby 101’ for a season or two, but if that reverses the decline of the past three seasons I doubt there will be many complaints.
A great success of the Saracens project was the very effective talent spotting, identifying young players with the attributes and skills to develop into top class Premiership and international players. These would be joined by experienced pros from all over the world, like Justin Marshall, Richard Wigglesworth, Kelly Brown, Marcel Bosch, a mix that delivered both winning results and accelerated development for the youngsters. Just as important has been the choice of coaches. Eddie Jones and Brendan Venter were among the early ones, but it was Mark McCall holding the reins as the trophies flocked in. Under McCall former players like Steve Borthwick, Alex Sanderson, Kelly Brown and Kevin Sorrell have all played key parts in the coaching team.
Johann van Graan, Joe Maddock, JP Fereirra and a clutch of new players will join Bath in time for pre-season. They will find a talented squad to work with. It will be their job to turn the playing fortunes around -they will feature in an off -season article.
Ed Griffiths’ role will be to create the optimum conditions for coaches and players to work in. At Worcester one of his successes was improvements to the strength and conditioning. Moving training away from Farleigh House has already been announced and Tom Dunn has referred to additional strength and conditioning staff joining. At Saracens Griffiths directed the recruiting efforts (with input from the DOR) and contracts negotiations. He is also noted, in Gold’s words as “absolutely tremendous at being a communication tool between ourselves and senior management that had been lacking before.” Perhaps these factors contributed to the sense of family and squad morale at Saracens? His record suggests there could be further management shake-up, if he thinks it necessary. Whatever the future brings under his chairmanship, it is likely to involve change, be energetic, focused and never dull.
While we wait for news of more signings, especially to reinforce the front five, let us acknowledge the opportunity Ed’s appointment represents. His role is Chairman, but his past activities show him identifying issues clearly and solving them- so he is also a trouble-shooter. Let us hope too that his stay is long enough, and his impact as effective, as at Saracens, to lay foundations and generate longer term success.
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09/05/2022 12:02
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:05:18:07:46:45 by P G Tips.
Every day is a school day with Bath Rugby.
I am sure we are all strapped in to the rollercoaster of fortune for the club next season.
adopted player, 24/25 Hame Faiva. 23/24 Ted Hill. 22/23 Cam Redpath. 21/22 Max Clark. 20/21 Henry Thomas. 19/20 Max Wright. 18/19 Cooper Vuna.
Quote:shendy
I doubt anyone has ever had “an incredible administrator” on their gravestone! :-)
So what?
if Bath get back to winning ways through his efforts he will be remembered fondly here.
PG
Quote:gaz59
A great read, thank you PG. I've just upgraded us from West Ham to Arsenal on the back of that!
+1
Excellent read and will be interesting to see if Ed can do something to improve our fortunes.
Upgrading from West Ham to Arsenal isn’t much of an improvement and will still never lead to trophies though. Upgrading to Man City or Liverpool is what we want to see.. 😎
Quote:dcsh
A really interesting article, thanks. I wonder if Ed will take the reins at the next season ticket holder event whenever that is?
Quite possibly. One thing you'll notice unless he's changed a lot is that he'll be very visible on match day and not in a "oh look there's the Chairman sitting in his box away from the hoi polloi way" but in a "go to grab a beer and he's mingling with the supporters way"
He's approachable too and if asked will give as straight forward and open a view as is possible. The level of interaction Sarries supporters had with him is one of the few things that hasn't been improved or even matched.
It still seems that, in spite of Hooper's character as an affable and intelligent ex-player, he still seems to be the "rusty cog" in the system and has no viable further input.
It’s possible that roles and responsibilities could be reshaped once the new coaching team is settled in.
PG
Quote:johnnyf
In the context of what is so excellently written here, do we think that Stuart Hooper's position is tenable for any further length of time?
It still seems that, in spite of Hooper's character as an affable and intelligent ex-player, he still seems to be the "rusty cog" in the system and has no viable further input.
You can read what you like into that picture at the top but to me it says “that’s a lot of bull…t”
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:johnnyf
In the context of what is so excellently written here, do we think that Stuart Hooper's position is tenable for any further length of time?
It still seems that, in spite of Hooper's character as an affable and intelligent ex-player, he still seems to be the "rusty cog" in the system and has no viable further input.
You can read what you like into that picture at the top but to me it says “that’s a lot of bull…t”
Are we starting a caption competition?
If he's jettisoned now where does he go, his CV is pretty damaged at the moment, he needs to go and work somewhere else at some point as his experience is too narrow, but if he can try to salvage something from the new regime and move on when he has, then fair play to him.
Being an effective troubleshooter is a vital component of every successful Chairman. It is something that our last Chairman was clearly sadly lacking.
Quote:woodpecker
If he's jettisoned now where does he go, his CV is pretty damaged at the moment
I think he need look no further than Stuart Lancaster for inspiration. Someone very highly regarded, possibly promoted too soon, badly burned, but took the learnings from the situation and has pretty much completely redeemed himself - possibly even indicating that England lost faith with him a little too quickly. I'm not suggesting that Hooper should stay on, but being over-promoted can actually be a means to acquire experience that only manifests itself in a new environment.
It is a incredibly difficult thing to pull off being that and also staying around to put in place the people and structures needed for longer term success and also to see the benefits. I'm not saying he can't/won't do that, just that it is a very difficult thing to do requiring very different skillsets.
No doubt if he does and it works then he will have earnt his reward and it will be an immense credit to Bruce for handing things over to him
I'm sure some sort of role can be found for Stuart Hooper within the organisation. I leave that thought there.
Quote:gaz59
I think the metaphor PG is thinking of malco, is more of the "hired gun" who comes into town, takes out the trouble rousers and then rides off into the sunset to the next assignment when referring to 'trouble - shooter'
Nice idea gaz, but I was thinking more of a John Harvey-Jones kind of troubleshooter. As you say, it is a hard trick to be also the one who continues in post and builds the longer term culture and success. Ed G did do that at Saracens (with help and input from high class coaches).
In my conclusion I do raise the hope that he will have a similar impact with Bath - and that he stays long enough to see it through.
PG
Quote:woodpecker
I was never a fan of Hooper as anything beyond being a player and I thought it was a mistake to make him DoR. However, a succession of coaches/management over many years have seen something in him. So, even though I voted for one of the outcomes when he leaves on SWs poll, I can see an argument for keeping him here in some role or other where he can learn from the new structure.
If he's jettisoned now where does he go, his CV is pretty damaged at the moment, he needs to go and work somewhere else at some point as his experience is too narrow, but if he can try to salvage something from the new regime and move on when he has, then fair play to him.
+ 1
Quote:OptimistQuote:woodpecker
If he's jettisoned now where does he go, his CV is pretty damaged at the moment
I think he need look no further than Stuart Lancaster for inspiration. Someone very highly regarded, possibly promoted too soon, badly burned, but took the learnings from the situation and has pretty much completely redeemed himself - possibly even indicating that England lost faith with him a little too quickly. I'm not suggesting that Hooper should stay on, but being over-promoted can actually be a means to acquire experience that only manifests itself in a new environment.
I think the problem for Hooper is that he’s not a qualified coach unlike Lancaster who was & who had previously built up a good reputation as such. Presiding over a 0-64 defeat to local rivals with no appreciably better players will forever stay on his CV. Hatley is more comparable with Lancaster in my view & could do well as a forwards coach somewhere else.
Quote:Bath HammerQuote:OptimistQuote:woodpecker
If he's jettisoned now where does he go, his CV is pretty damaged at the moment
I think he need look no further than Stuart Lancaster for inspiration. Someone very highly regarded, possibly promoted too soon, badly burned, but took the learnings from the situation and has pretty much completely redeemed himself - possibly even indicating that England lost faith with him a little too quickly. I'm not suggesting that Hooper should stay on, but being over-promoted can actually be a means to acquire experience that only manifests itself in a new environment.
I think the problem for Hooper is that he’s not a qualified coach unlike Lancaster who was & who had previously built up a good reputation as such. Presiding over a 0-64 defeat to local rivals with no appreciably better players will forever stay on his CV. Hatley is more comparable with Lancaster in my view & could do well as a forwards coach somewhere else.
Lots of noise on social media that Hooper has left the building. Inevitable I guess.
Sounds like EG is the right person to do this with the authority to do it 👍
Quote:nigewing
Yes, John Harvey Jones (ex boss of ICI) & also Digby Jones (exCBI boss) did TV programmes with case studies of businesses in trouble. They went into businesses to understand how they functioned, interviewed owners, managers & staff before putting together plans to turn the business around. The step changes often were difficult for owners/managers to swallow as they often clearly saw it as criticism of themselves. Which it was in some ways, as generally they were the root cause of the problem by being stuck in the past, lacking skills& having no vision. Those who embraced change flourished.
Sounds like EG is the right person to do this with the authority to do it 👍
I've got the JHJ book. It is still a good read. The point remains tho that he was a catalyst for change and restructure. He didn't see the assignment through to success though did go back to see the impact of what he had done
What is apparent in lots of companies started by really motivated individuals is that once they leave, return or bought out there is never the same energy within the company and they often just fade away. Same with rugby clubs, you need that dynamism from somewhere, owner, CEO or coach to really move forward and this has been what has been lacking at Bath for twenty odd years.
I am hoping this is the whole reason for his appointment, to give the changes, whatever they might be, a solid foundation and a sense of leadership rather than feeling like a passing phase.
I believe he is primarily Chairman, but has shown himself capable of tide tifying issues to fix.
PG
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:05:15:10:08:12 by P G Tips.
I must admit, Im in the Team EdG camp and have been for some time. His blueprint for fixing the Championship is a delight and I just wish they went for it.
In terms of him at Bath, Im really excited about the potential and I can already see his strategy being implemented.
"Good squad players with high work rates and a focus on the basics" - Speaking to one of our more well informed posters, the signing of Annett had EdG's dna all over it.
"One of his successes was improvements to the strength and conditioning" - It also seems that EdG may have paused or stopped a couple of potential signings in positions that a few of have been calling for. I believe that he like me, thinks we already have the talent and raw beef in the Forwards, but they are simply unfit and under conditioned.
Exciting times ahead!
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
As for the pack Hughes demonstrated in his short time with Bath what we are lacking in size/power department. We haven’t signed anyone with that amount of power.
Quote:OutsideBath
I’d like to think that Ed isn’t interfering in signings and is leaving that to JvG to identify who he wants. Ed should only be saying yes we have the money or no we don’t.
As for the pack Hughes demonstrated in his short time with Bath what we are lacking in size/power department. We haven’t signed anyone with that amount of power.
For clarity, I believe it was EdG blocking Hooper's signings. Which Im perfectly OK with.
Totally agree with Hughes. The "give it to the big boy" mentality definitely brought the pack together and gave them a bit of purpose. Huge missed opportunity, but then Coetzee has similar size stats of Jasper Wiese, so perhaps a big S&C pre-season can get a similar power output (hopefully not the same amount of cards though)
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Or am I being too optimistic again?
Quote:Rampant
For clarity, I believe it was EdG blocking Hooper's signings. Which Im perfectly OK with
Why?
From what I heard, he very summarily blocked a signing which would have filled a sizeable, and pretty obvious, hole in the squad. The fact that Hooper remains, but Ed G is now gone may indicate that he wasn't, in the end, the Messiah, in everyone's opinion.
Quote:OptimistQuote:Rampant
For clarity, I believe it was EdG blocking Hooper's signings. Which Im perfectly OK with
Why?
From what I heard, he very summarily blocked a signing which would have filled a sizeable, and pretty obvious, hole in the squad. The fact that Hooper remains, but Ed G is now gone may indicate that he wasn't, in the end, the Messiah, in everyone's opinion.
Are you able to provide any more details on the signing?
Seems odd to block signings if cap was available and the need obvious.
Flipside is he felt money was better spent elsewhere if we actually got some people playing to their potential and actually kept some players fit.
Quote:OptimistQuote:Rampant
For clarity, I believe it was EdG blocking Hooper's signings. Which Im perfectly OK with
Why?
From what I heard, he very summarily blocked a signing which would have filled a sizeable, and pretty obvious, hole in the squad. The fact that Hooper remains, but Ed G is now gone may indicate that he wasn't, in the end, the Messiah, in everyone's opinion.
On the other hand it may indicate that the troubleshooter just got shot!
Quote:ROLLO
In our expereince at Wuss it could be Troublemaker.
Things seem to have worked out OK at Wuss given Prem cup success. We can only dream of that kind of troublemaking
Max Clark (Twitter): 'I want to say a personal thank you to Ed Griffiths he brought some needed light in a very dark season!'
Andy Goode (Twitter): 'The best thing @BathRugby announced today is that Ed Griffiths has left the building. All the better for the club and Premiership rugby in general!' (previous tweet from AG in response to EG appointment: 'Keep your eye on the salary cap folks and watch your backs everyone at Bath!''
Joe Cokanasiga: 'Weird. Lol' (since deleted)
Quote:Optimist
Interesting (?? possibly) exercise to collect the reactions of people closer to the action than us. So far i've seen:
Max Clark (Twitter): 'I want to say a personal thank you to Ed Griffiths he brought some needed light in a very dark season!'
Andy Goode (Twitter): 'The best thing @BathRugby announced today is that Ed Griffiths has left the building. All the better for the club and Premiership rugby in general!' (previous tweet from AG in response to EG appointment: 'Keep your eye on the salary cap folks and watch your backs everyone at Bath!''
Joe Cokanasiga: 'Weird. Lol' (since deleted)
Hmm I dont trust Andy Goode even more so now he's got hair
Quote:Optimist
Interesting (?? possibly) exercise to collect the reactions of people closer to the action than us. So far i've seen:
Max Clark (Twitter): 'I want to say a personal thank you to Ed Griffiths he brought some needed light in a very dark season!'
Andy Goode (Twitter): 'The best thing @BathRugby announced today is that Ed Griffiths has left the building. All the better for the club and Premiership rugby in general!' (previous tweet from AG in response to EG appointment: 'Keep your eye on the salary cap folks and watch your backs everyone at Bath!''
Joe Cokanasiga: 'Weird. Lol' (since deleted)
I can't say I'm his greatest fan, but in all fairness to Griffiths I'm pretty sure that he and the South African investors left at the point the salary cap breaches started - and I think I recall seeing something saying that it was a contributory factor, as they didn't want to be associated with it.
Quote:OptimistQuote:Rampant
For clarity, I believe it was EdG blocking Hooper's signings. Which Im perfectly OK with
Why?
From what I heard, he very summarily blocked a signing which would have filled a sizeable, and pretty obvious, hole in the squad. The fact that Hooper remains, but Ed G is now gone may indicate that he wasn't, in the end, the Messiah, in everyone's opinion.
Because they were Hooper's signings and not JvG
On a positive note, Im hearing that JvG is already having an impact and improvements are being made to facilities ready for pre-season. Its clear his strategy is all about focus with minimum distractions for next season
Designed in Scotland | Made in the West Country
Quote:RampantQuote:OptimistQuote:Rampant
For clarity, I believe it was EdG blocking Hooper's signings. Which Im perfectly OK with
Why?
From what I heard, he very summarily blocked a signing which would have filled a sizeable, and pretty obvious, hole in the squad. The fact that Hooper remains, but Ed G is now gone may indicate that he wasn't, in the end, the Messiah, in everyone's opinion.
Because they were Hooper's signings and not JvG
On a positive note, Im hearing that JvG is already having an impact and improvements are being made to facilities ready for pre-season. Its clear his strategy is all about focus with minimum distractions for next season
He's clearly moved on to focus on the big issues then - wonder where he got that idea from
Don’t follow Gaz.
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