Rugby club is keeping supporters in the dark

THE debacle which has seen Saracens relegated from the English Premier League has potentially saved Leicester Tigers from a potentially humiliating departure to rugby’s second tier.

It is to be hoped that this does not create a sense of complacency, which might be felt, given that the club is anaesthetised from the perils of relegation, for the time being at least.

Players and coaches have shown some improvement in the postChristmas period, although there are still too many basic errors being made. Primarily, however, the board should be looking at itself very closely.

Despite an abject season last season and, potentially, another very disappointing performance this term, there is no apparent recognition by the board that the fans, without whom the best-supported club in Europe would fold, need to know there is a change of heart and direction from that which has led us to this point.

Communication with fans and shareholders remains limited at best and important developments, such as the appointment of Steve Borthwick as head coach, must rank as the worst-kept secret for months.

While it is appreciated that there is commercial and contractual sensitivity is specific areas, could we not be told of the direction which the board intends to follow when the issue is the potential appointment of a head coach?

Less concentration on developing construction sites and resolution of training facilities for the future, would be a good start and the members and shareholders should be told of the steps which the club is taking, in order to redress its abject financial position. We were told there was an intent to sell the club, but no information as to the progress of this has been released.

Is a buyer in sight, or is the present predicament sufficient to deter prospective purchasers?

If the club wishes the membership to stay loyal and see through this period in the wilderness, then there must be more information in the public domain, which will give us a realistic prospect of anticipating improvement on and off the field.

David Johnson, Arnesby