Ford determined to ‘free’ Tigers

LEICESTER’S new firefighting coach Mike Ford is convinced the Tigers are too good to go down, as he attempts to douse the Welford Road flames. The Tigers are five points above Newcastle at the bottom of the table with five games to go. Ford, 53, joined Leicester as a ‘coaching consultant’ this week to assist head coach Geordan Murphy in the fight against the drop. And despite the fact that a squad containing Manu Tuilagi et al have lost 16 of their last 19 fixtures in all competitions, Ford is sure the slump will end. He said: ‘We have world-class players across the board. That is why I believe Leicester won’t get relegated. But if we think all we’ve got to do is turn up and we’ll be fine, then we’ll be in trouble. Leicester are a big club and a bit of pressure has built up. I’ve got to free everyone up.’ Murphy, 40, insisted it was his decision to bring Ford in at this late stage. Ford has met the Irishman through the season and has watched lots of matches when his sons George and Joe play. Murphy, who is preparing Leicester for Exeter this Saturday, said: ‘We needed a bit of a kick. To bring in someone with as much knowledge is great. The season’s been really tough for me. As a first time head coach there’s a lot of things you don’t have the answer to.’

lFLY- HALF Danny Cipriani, 31, has agreed an extended three-year contract with Gloucester.