| I believe he has done the club and the town a great disservice by making a mountain out of a molehill and then allowing his half truths to be picked up by the national press. Did a few players have a few beers? Yes. Did one of them take their trousers off? Not entirely. Was there a bit of fisticuffs between our players? Yes. Was anyone else involved? No. Was Terry drinking Lucozade all night? No. Am I going to take any further action? No. During the last few weeks I have asked the players to give blood for the club and put some passion back. This they have done. Against Toulouse last week they performed magnificently and I was proud of every one of them. The thing that annoyed me most was that Terry presented this as some sort of disharmony among the team. Nothing can be further from the truth. I did not receive one single complaint from any of our 1,200 travelling fans about the incident. I repeat what I have said before while Budge and Grase are rebuilding the side, we have to stay loyal to each other and be honest and positive. Let’s move on.
A massive welcome to all of the directors, staff, team and supporters of Bedford. A team that on and off the park I have a lot of time for. The Bedford team of course will have more Saints caps than the Northampton players, they will find it a bit strange to be in the away team dressing room! They will be up for the game, particularly knowing that we are struggling a bit ourselves. But there’s a new spirit in the Saints team and I know the squad will be giving their best. I hope whoever wins, that team goes on to win the final. If that team were to be Northampton it would give us entry into the Heineken Cup next year. Although this wouldn’t be the case if Bedford were to win. Don’t ask, don’t ask!
The atmosphere at the Gardens was fantastic at our last home game versus Toulouse and I know all of the 1,200 supporters we took to France enjoyed themselves. The players and the supporters mixed together after the game, a very special feeling. I am sure the atmosphere at today’s game will be wonderful with more than 2,000 Blues fans in attendance.
Hope to see some of you at the Carol Concert tomorrow and at London Irish on December 27. Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and that the New Year starts with a victory against Leeds on January 1. Believe me, 2005 will be good for Saints supporters, I feel the force is with us.
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