Solomons has a vision for a bright new future
ALAN Solomons believes a legacy he has left Worcester will see the Warriors climb the Premiership in the coming seasons under Steve Diamond.
Worcester ensured they did not finish at the bottom of the Premiership for the second consecutive season by defeating Bath last weekend. It was Solomons’s last match as director of rugby, a title Diamond now assumes.
“I realised something a few months after I came to the club,” said Solomons, who arrived in Worcester in 2017. “Local lads were not forming the heart of the side and so there was no identity.
“Look at the team now and there is a strong core of players from the area, led by Ted Hill. We are Worcester. Of course you want players coming in from outside because they bring diversity, but what we have now is a long-term vision.”
Solomons stepped aside from regular team duties halfway through last season with Jonathan Thomas taking control of the side as head coach. They finished bottom having used the absence of relegation to blood players, but although they secured more victories in the first half of this season, they also suffered some heavy defeats.
“We put things in place for this season and brought in two Lions in Duhan van der Merwe, inset, and Rory Sutherland,” said Solomons. “I was optimistic but halfway through we were one off the bottom and had had some big scores against us.
“JT had total control, but unfortunately it did not work out and we struggled. I am sure he will get another job, but that is coaching. Steve came in and he holds the same vision as me on the importance of the academy, as he showed at Sale when he brought through
the likes of the Curry brothers and Raffi Quirke. He heads a really good group of coaches and Nick Easter is coming in who is a terrific asset. I would bet that we will be in the top eight next season and then the top six.
“Steve is keen to do the job and I expect him to be here for the long haul. He has played and coached in the Premiership and I leave the club positive about its future.
“We took some backward steps but we have clawed back ground. It has been a challenging job but I can move on knowing that now we have a clear identity, based on guys who played in local schools and are known to the supporters.”
Hooker Niall Annett ended his eight-year stay at Sixways against Bath last weekend, the club he is joining next month.
“I hope that winning the Premiership Cup is the springboard for Worcester to move on, “said the 31year old Annett who joined the Warriors from Ulster. “There are some really talented players coming through and nothing would make me happier than seeing the club fulfil its potential.
“When I joined Worcester eight years ago, there was a clear plan – getting into the top six. Sadly, we did not achieve that, but Steve Diamond is doing a good job and knows how to work with rugby players.
“He has a charisma and a style I relate to and I cannot wish him any more luck in getting Worcester to take the
step I craved for. I am leaving because after chatting to my wife and family, I felt it was now or never to test myself in a new environment.”