Kicking on: George Ford
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George Ford appears set to leave Leicester at the end of the season, with the former IRB Junior Player of the Year expected to join Bath.
Ford signed a one-year contract extension at the end of last season to bring speculation about his future to a close, but having been unable to negotiate a new deal with Leicester will now move on according to the Leicester Mercury.
Ford made his debut aged just 16 for the Tigers in the LV= Cup but has been searching for more time on the pitch for Leicester over the last two seasons - his biggest match to date coming in the Aviva Premiership semi-final last season.
The 19-year-old is tipped to link up with his father, former England defence coach Mike Ford, at Bath - although Northampton Saints have previously been rumoured as a possible destination.
If Ford does join Bath as expected, the move could force either young Scotland fly-half Tom Heathcote or former All Black Stephen Donald to leave the club.
Leicester are expected to use former Crusaders back Dan Bowden in more of a fly-half role but may also recruit another option before the beginning of next season.
Comments
jamesliveinhope says...
@APV1 - and if this season doesn't improve, I wonder how long it'll be before Andy Robinson is linked again?
Posted 15:48 23rd January 2013
APV1 says...
@ jamesliveinhope - I saw this too and it just makes the plot more interesting. Rumour and conjecture make for fun reading, eh?
Posted 14:37 23rd January 2013
jamesliveinhope says...
Gold says its not happening - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21150789
although it would appear that for it to be true some rules would have been broken, so there may be a need to deny. One thing is for certain, the Leicester set-up would not miss an opportunity to have a go at Bath so the absence of anything from Cockerill may be telling too.
How do you police a father-son relationship though?
Gold has also played down moves on Joseph and Faletau.
Seems that Bath are the regular "interested party" whenever player contracts are due, makes you wonder what would happen if other clubs had high profile wealth in the background.
Posted 11:56 23rd January 2013
jamesliveinhope says...
I think that the Leicester situation is perhaps to their credit (or at least the credit of their academy). The trouble is, there are a whole host of Wilkinson understudies who promised much but never got the international recognition because they couldn't get game time. Whilst I think it is perfectly reasonable to pick your best side, players with ambition, especially with the talent to back that ambition up, are not going to wait for the first choice player to retire or the off-chance of an injury. They crave game-time to improve their game and if thye don't get it then they'll move on.
Its a difficult balance to strike but, if you don't, you'll end up with an ageing fist choice and the only way to replace him is by buying in.
Posted 21:42 22nd January 2013
NHsaints says...
Hmm well if it's bath you'd think Donald will be moving on, although the again Heathcoate is hot stuff now so he could well be moving to another club for a big wage. Don't let him move to Northampton though (that's hard to say as a saints fan) it's like a graveyard for potential england fly halves of late (Geraghty, Lamb, Myler...).
Posted 18:32 22nd January 2013
lawynd says...
@melkdave - to be fair, Leicester have been incredibly unlucky with their nines over the last few seasons. Dupuy wanting to move back to France, Harry Ellis retiring and long-term injuries to Micky Young and Sam Harrison have not helped the situation.
Posted 16:43 22nd January 2013
APV1 says...
@ melkdave - Interesting team line-up there.
How's this for a slightly different one?
Catt, Mears, Wilson, Attwood, Caldwell, Koster, Louw, Faletau, Stringer, Ford/Heathcote, Biggs, Banahan, JJ, Eastmond, Abendanon.
Bench isn't too shabby either, with the likes of Agulla, Webber (when fit) and James.
That does rely on Faletau and Stringer, who both have question marks. If not Koster at 8 and Mercer at 6. As for our 9, Goodness knows - McMillan or Cook...
Posted 16:38 22nd January 2013
1st58 says...
I much prefer Leicester's approach of spending on forwards, starting with the front row.
Personally I'm not excited about Ford coming to Bath, I just don't rate him that highly - hopefully I'll be proved wrong.
Posted 16:37 22nd January 2013
sirtidychris says...
I think bath are going for an excting backline of midgets
Stringer, Ford, Biggs, Heathcote, Joseph, Eastmond, Bendy
Posted 16:27 22nd January 2013
melkdave says...
Have to say ,something just doesent sit right at Leicester atm,They are losing good quality backs with bags of potential,and that can never be good for any club..Yes they have spent the money recently on getting a quality front 5 and back ups,but imo now they shuld shift focus on to the backrow ,and half backs.To be frank,Leicesters backrow isnt really up to what you would expect from such a prestigious club ,renowned for its tough forward play.Ford is a very able back up for T.Fllod atm,but they need an equally exciting player as back up to youngs imo.Ford will be getting gametime in the coming months as the LV kicks in,and Flood will be on England duty,and he certinally needs it ,Just to get his confidance back atm..Wheather the rumours are true or not,Im sure if he does leave,he will be an asset to either Bath or Saints.of the 2 clubs id say Saints need him more tbh.Myler and Lamb just havent given a clear direction to the backline imo.and fFords running game offers Saints alot of good options imo.As they definatly need to be more direct in the backs atm,and less relient on the forwards powerplay,as a whole.As to Bath well a combination of Ford and Heathcoate offers tantalising possibilities imo,both offer a running game and a good kicking game option,and both play a similar style of game,which should give the backs a clear understanding and gameplan,Baths move for Faletau now makes sense aswell,a XV of Catt,Mears,Wilson,Attwood,Caldwell,Hooper,Lowe,,Faletau,in the forwards doesnt look to bad ,While Stringer,Ford/Heathcoate Biggs,Banahan,JJ ,Eastmond,Abendanon looks very potent indeed.
Posted 15:32 22nd January 2013
lawynd says...
I like a lot of what you've got to say, rugby_rockstar. I just can't help but feel though that Leicester are robbing Peter to pay Paul, so to speak. I'd rather see Castro wished a fond farewell and a fit-again Kieran Brookes take his place than lose Ford, given the dearth of talent in the 10 shirt currently. Is Dan Bowden really an acceptable understudy, given that he's an inside centre by trade? I've seen nothing in his career to date to suggest he's a goal kicker either, although admittedly it isn't the strongest area of Ford's game either. It would also be nice to see more academy graduates make it, something that's dried up a little in the last couple of seasons. I appreciate that you can't unearth a Dan Cole or Tom Croft every season but there's even less chance of that happening if they don't get some opportunities.
Posted 15:19 22nd January 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
This situation is all about the salary cap, and what can Leicester afford to buy with that finite pot of money. Leicester would benefit no end if it was raised, but could the likes of Exeter and Worcester compete without risking financial ruin?
I tend to think the salary cap basically keeps 12 clubs afloat and competative in England but it won't help you in Europe. So English (and Celtic) teams have to strive for excellence instead. Clubs with good work ethics and quality coaches can overcome the big money teams in Europe. I think having a massive budget allows mediocre coaches to look good. If they win, its not so much down to the coaching rather than the stars on the pitch. But I look at Harlequins, and its different their players, the coaches, the attitude, the set up, its not about the stars. You want a blue print, then there it is.
You look at Leinster this season and compare them to last season. their budget is probably about the same as last season, but the hunger's gone. Last season Leinster were the guys to look at and be inspired by. This season, they were lazy vs exeter in dublin and it cost them. What this tells me is that attiude and spirit is what makes teams great.
Toulon are flakey as hell, There's blood in the water and I'm hungry for that quarter final. It's 2001 Stade Francaise in Paris all over again. It's that vibe as France in Paris in the six nations last year... it feels right. Tough yes deffinatley, but thats the challenge and its a challenge thats within Leicester's capability of acheving. I think we're leaner and hungrier than all those cream skimming 33 year olds and their memories of past glories. And Bernard Laporte? He doesn't scare me one little bit.
Posted 14:36 22nd January 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
Hope Saints don't take Ford. They need to off load one of Lamb or Myler but if its Myler Ford is too similar to Lamb and I'm not sure his international prospects are any brighter than Lambs. I'd like to see a 10 in the mold of a Ciprianni or Burns come in for Saints. Heathcoat would do it.
Posted 13:12 22nd January 2013
nabberuk says...
@pierredelot1
what is it with you and Leicester. Your views are about 3 years out of date! Billy left because he wanted to be given a starting spot no matter his form. At tigers you have to earn the shirt. Same goes to ford, why would he get more game time this season, he's been pants most of it!
Posted 13:12 22nd January 2013
APV1 says...
Hooper - never really been a big fan. I've met him a couple of times and he's a thoroughly nice bloke, but he shouldn't be our captain or start in the 2R - Attwood and Caldwell. Please.
Beaver - underused in his best role as a mentor for Heathcote and overused as a player. He's just not delivered and hanging a RWC Winners' medal around his neck didn't make him any better. He's not been good enough and time to see him away. Please.
Heathcote (or Turncoat, since he defected Northwards) has been underused as a player and just hasn't seen enough game time. I suspect there was a clause in Beaver's contract about how often he should start, which has restricted TH's chances. A real shame, as I think if things had been different, he would have stuck with England and been a real contender.
Saints need a top class 10, especially if the rumours about Myler leaving are true.
Ford is a potential future star and will be fighting Burns and Farrell for England's 10 shirt, I suspect. But I have to agree with those who have concerns about TH and GF as our two primary 10s. They are both developing and need experienced campaigners to guide them. Beaver seems to have failed in this with TH (or wasn't asked to, or didn't have the opportunity - perhaps I'm being too harsh on him), but who will take over that role? If Claassens goes and Stringer doesn't extend (nothing to suggest he will), we could have some very green half-backs.
Whilst this might be an exciting prospect on one hand, it does open them up to being duped by wiley and experienced opposition.
I hope Craig, Gold, Booth et al have a plan, as it's looking like another season of concern otherwise. I'm starting to get a bit fed up with the mid-table doldrums. I almost (almost!) preferred it when we were in the relegation battles - at least there was something to get excited about. Top 4 should be our aim for next season.
Posted 12:22 22nd January 2013
pierredelot1 says...
Well if you are a running creative ten then you don't want to be playing for Leicester. Funny that the eyes open, expansive players leave the Tigers. Surely not because they are coached predominantly by a forward and insist on playing a forward oriented game that has been their hallmark for years. If Leicester and their supporters are happy with that then OK but as someone who enjoys watching open rugby (Yes combined with good forward play) then Leicester will never be the club for me. Johnson tried it with England and failed, Lancaster is already looking at Twelvetrees to create more options. Why did he leave Cockers? Leicester never threaten the top European Clubs as much as before. (Yeah they beat Toulouse and fair play to them) because they just have this dogged approach built around the idea that a good big en will always defeat a good little en. Its too old fashioned, boring and stuck in the past.
Ford will enjoy himself at Bath and lets face it, Rugby is his job and you have to enjoy it.
Posted 11:30 22nd January 2013
Chubbylugs says...
A bit harsh on hooper. Seems a sensible thing to pick a player as club captain who won't be pulled everywhere with the national set up. It provides continuity for the club and all players coming through
The difference between Leicester and bath on this front is that Leicester would have made hooper a better player. Even Journeyman players seem to get an extra 10-20% better at tigers. This is why I think ford would be better at tigers for a year or two more. He is still developing and is better protected than over exposed
Posted 11:28 22nd January 2013
IronManI441 says...
So excited that this rumour is finally showing it has some weight. Gary Gold is really moving Bath along with the new training facilities and his ambitious signings and I am very excited about the future for us. (I live 150 meters away from the Rec!) With Ford (Heathcote), Banahan, Eastmond, Biggs, Abendanon and if we get Jonathan Joseph alongside, could be a great back line.
On another note Leicester need to start to worry here. I think that they are losing too many quality backs recently and the loss of Ford and Twelvetrees should really get them thinking.
Posted 11:09 22nd January 2013
carpelone says...
APV1.
That would be a good signing, not mediocre at all. At least, Louw is not wasted there.
Posted 10:58 22nd January 2013
carebearstare says...
I hope it's Donald leaving and not Heathcote. Promising young players like him and Ford are really struggling to get consistent starts. I expected alot from Rory Clegg but see he was playing British and Irish cup last weekend for Leeds against Leinster A's starting ahead of Joe Ford (George's older brother)
Posted 10:27 22nd January 2013