The first two games were always going to be tough and they have proved to be that way with a loss and a win. Now though, the players are so excited to be playing at home at last. We have been on the road for five weeks solid with each weekend taken up by an away game. The players have certainly got to know each other extremely well and are beginning to try and avoid the worst room mates which apparently there are many!

Our game against Leicester was a good wake-up call and an indication of where we were, but also we were all very disappointed in our performance especially in that it was our first proper outing as a squad. We have taken a lot of criticism on the chin even though it was a little early in the season for the doom-mongerers to be out, but none the less we were not happy.

We followed it up with a good hard-nosed victory against Bath with every player stepping up in their focus and attitude. Our defence at times was outstanding and very physical, something we would like to emulate, if not better, today.

As we have been saying all summer, we have a squad now that will not change for a couple of years and a squad that is relatively young and will, if we can stay together, grow in strength over the time. I guess what I am trying to say is that give the team time, as I know you will, but also don’t let your expectations rise too high. There will good and bad times as we grow but I believe in the long term, the future of this club will be better.

The good thing is that you will always support us. Like you showed last year, we are all in this together for it is not just the team that makes this great club, but the support and everyone who works here. We are all Northampton Saints.
 
Let’s welcome the Falcons, who are a very strong squad, to Franklin’ Gardens. It will be an extremely tough encounter with both sides going hammer and tongs at each other.

Come on you Jimmies.