Geordan Murphy believes his coaching recruit Mike Ford will give Leicester “a bit of a kick” and help the struggling former champions avoid the threat of relegation from the Premiership. Ford has been brought in as a consultant to try to generate fresh impetus, with the Tigers five points off the bottom of the league with five games remaining.
Murphy, who was appointed as the club’s permanent coach in December, suggested a long-term role could yet await Ford if he can turn Leicester’s fortunes around. He stressed it had been his decision to hire the former England and Ireland defence coach. “We have had a tough season and we needed a bit of a kick,” said Murphy, whose side host the league leaders, Exeter, on Saturday.
“We’ve been under the pump, down the bottom end in a little bit of a mire. To bring in someone with as much knowledge and experience was a no-brainer. When you bring in a new set of eyes, naturally guys respond to it. At this stage of the season we need to fight for everything.”
Ford, whose sons George and Joe are on Leicester’s playing staff, also believes the side are good enough to survive. “Sometimes, when you are down, you can’t see the wood for the trees,” he said. “Leicester are a big club and maybe a bit of pressure has built up. I’ve got to free everyone up. Leicester are not far off. I’ve been in two or three days and the way they analyse and prepare is up there. We have got world-class players across the board. That is why I believe Leicester won’t get relegated.”
Murphy concedes his first campaign as a coach has been a sobering experience. “The season’s been really tough for me,” he said. “As a first-time head coach there’s a lot of things you don’t have the answer to. Confidence has been a little bit low but if it clicks no one will be talking about relegation. The league is incredibly tight. If you get a few wins you will climb the table very quickly.”
The England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth has become Ealing’s attack coach. The 35-year-old intends to continue playing for Saracens and to coach Ealing one day a week.
