Bath want progress, not just trophies

Editor

Finishing without any silverware this season wouldn't be a disaster for Bath as long as they improve, according to boss Mike Ford.

Finishing without any silverware this season wouldn't be a disaster for Bath as long as they improve, according to boss Mike Ford.

The club missed out on last season's Premiership playoffs by the finest of margins and were beaten in the Challenge Cup Final by Northampton Saints.

“The next step might be that we still don't win anything,” Ford told the BBC.

“But as long as we show we're getting better, then we're going to win something sooner or later.”

Ford was speaking ahead of his club's season opener away to Sale Sharks on Saturday.

The club have recruited high-profile rugby league star Sam Burgess, while also bringing in Luke Arscott, Henry Thomas, Nick Auterac and Grant Shields.

Ford also revealed that club's focus would be on the league and making the playoffs, ten years on from their last appearance in the Premiership Final.

“As a squad, our number one priority is the Premiership. Of course, we'll look to move forward in Europe but at this moment in time we're looking at the Premiership,” added Ford.

“The players that have come in already have put more detail on our foundation. They've added to it with enthusiasm and energy.

“We've shown we believe in the squad and that we do trust them. We just needed to add bits here and there.

“As long as we keep pushing to get better than last year, then we'll give ourselves the best opportunity.”