Now or never

Well, not for at least another year anyway. There’s no getting away from it  - as seasons go this one is massive. No, it’s bigger than that, it’s huge. Quite simply it’s time to put up or shut up, the Premiership is where we want to be and this year represents a gilt edged opportunity to get there.

So, what are our chances.

Well, the forwards look strong, very strong. We have not 1 but 2 packs which I feel would be a match for any other front 8 in the Championship. Real competition for places and real strength in depth, if you’re a Championship forward who plays for another club then I wish you all the best.

Our starting backs are also a force to be reckoned with. The back 3 will cause any defence in this league problems. Stevie is the best full back outside the premiership by a country mile  imho and the Doc’s record at this level speaks for itself. I have very high hopes for Jonah Holmes too who I think will provide a different option to the artistry of Doc on the other wing. If you can’t pick the lock it’s nice to know you have the option of knocking the door down and if those two can swap wings during games I think they’ll cause all kinds of mayhem in opposition defences.

In the centres Griffin and Burdon look like a good pairing although I have a feeling that we may be seeing a lot more of Pete Lucock this season. J Doc and Hampo will resume their battle for the number 9 shirt and, personally, I would be happy with either.

At fly half we have young Glyn Hughes. Having moved from Moseley expecting to have to work his way into the first team, he finds himself the undisputed first choice as the season approaches. A daunting prospect for a young lad in such an important season but, I have a feeling he will take it in his stride. I read somewhere that his was not the usual route to becoming a professional rugby union player and that he has had to fight every step of the way to get his chance -  I like that and I can’t wait to see him play. I think he could be the pick of the new signings.

There’s no doubt that we are a bit thin on the ground with regards to competition for places amongst the backs though and I think this is probably a calculated gamble which has been forced on the club. Unable to afford a huge squad I think they have decided to be strong in the forwards and rely on the clubs much lauded academy to provide

competition in the backs. It’s the right decision in my view, risky in one sense but sensible in another.

And then there's Jimmy. 

With Diccon Edwards jumping ship in mysterious circumstances just as pre season training was about to begin (but unfortunately too late for us to keep hold of Joe Ford) it would appear that we've swapped one head coach who divided opinion for another.

Jimmy Lowes is a gamble, there is absolutely no question about that. Personally I don't think it matters that he’s an RL man, he's got a wealth of Union experience all around him should he need advice and that includes the daddy of them all, Geech. He  also appears to be a no nonsense type of bloke which is exactly what we’ll need in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the play offs. Skills are transferable, if he’s a good coach and man manager, then he’s a good coach and man manager and hopefully he'll join the roll call of former League players who have successfully made the transition to coaching proper rugby. I'm behind him all the way and wish him all the best.

This year there is no discussion about what our expectations for the season should be. No talk of progression or team building. This year the target is plain and simple - Promotion, nothing else will do and I’m absolutely confident that this team will deliver, 100%. They’re young but they are also experienced championship campaigners and, crucially, they have what money can’t buy. Espirit de corps, team spirit, togetherness - call it what you will, they exude it and, as the end of last season showed, they have the ability to effectively apply their considerable skills on the rugby field. In my view they’ll take some stopping and hopefully this time next year we’ll be looking forward to Premiership Rugby.

Can they get promotion - absolutely

Will they - well, as I’ve said above, I think they will - but that's what we're all here to find out.

Enjoy the season!