Ahead of Saturday’s huge game against Bath Rugby, Warriors Chief Executive Jim O’Toole has issued a rallying cry in his programme notes:
Programme Notes – Jim O'Toole
Welcome to Sixways for the visit of Bath Rugby.
A week is a long time in politics but a blink of an eye in rugby. After the disappointing trip to Reading we had the unfortunate incident with Tevita Cavubati. This has now been dealt with by the authorities and we move on. Tevita has paid the price and learnt a lesson.
I have had quite a few messages from supporters via email and social media expressing their concerns and fears about the coming three months.
The most entertaining feedback was from a Michael Buble tribute act, who spelled out his worries in 140 characters using the titles of Buble songs to make his point.
My response has been consistent. We always knew this season would be tough and all about guaranteeing our Premiership status.
The early wins against Saints and Falcons, together with competitive performances in the majority of other games gave some people false expectations as to where we were and what the season promised.
In the week of the release of the Dad’s Army movie, it is fitting to recall the advice given to Captain Mainwaring about panic.
Using Europe as a platform to give fringe and younger players much-needed game time was a conscious decision and we paid a price in terms of results.
However, the accumulated number of consecutive losses need to be taken in perspective. As the promoted team, we were always going to be off the pace of established Premiership rivals and we were always destined for a battle against the lower quartile teams.
We know exactly where we stand and what we face. We don’t deal in empty promises, we deal in real. We are currently in a relegation battle and that is what you as supporters will be guaranteed from our squad – a battle.
We are in this together and we’ll deal with it together. The organisation is working flat out and we need you to do your bit and support the team.
The fact that you are reading this in your seat shows that you’re committed to coming to games to get behind the boys.
On a lighter note, Happy Valentine’s to all you lovers in the Warriors community and good luck to those who enter our win a trip to Paris competition!
Finally, welcome to our friends from Bath today.
Enjoy the game.
Jim