Bristol coach wants another forward
Bristol rugby coach Paul Hull has admitted that he wants to bring in another back-row forward before the start of the season.
Hull said: "We're short in the back row – we know that – and we're looking at all opportunities. We'll just have to wait and see on that, but we would like to look at something in the back row, because we've only got four signed at the club. That might be through the academy process, it might be an opportunity player coming through – we're just looking at every opportunity at the moment."
Bristol narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premiership last season when they were defeated by Exeter in the Championship play-off final. Various members of the club have stated their desire to go up this season but the coach feels he needs an extra body to make this possible.
The Championship is a very competitive league and contains some very good rugby sides. Worcester and Rotherham have both stated that they think they will win the league this year and it could be a very long season for Bristol.
Bristol have to do their best to give the coach what he asks before because there are problems if Hull starts to feel let down. These problems could ultimately risk Bristol's chances of Premiership promotion and set them back for another season.
Potential problems
The main problem of not giving a coach an extra player when he asks for one is the fact that the side could easily pick up injuries in early games. This will put pressure on the playing squad and if there are no replacements then an inexperienced youth player may be given a huge responsibility.
It's always important for a coach and a club to maintain a good working relationship. In this case Hull could feel a little annoyed that the club may not listen to what he is asking for. This will be down to financial strains on the club but it doesn't stop the coach from feeling let down.
Other teams have been making very positive player signings during pre-season. Worcester have done well to retain a lot of players and they have made some sensible additions. Supporters and the coach may become a little disillusioned if they feel the club is not matching the ambition they possess.
Huge pressure
The pressure has never been greater for a Championship club to try and get promoted to the Premiership. There are more financial and sponsorship opportunities in the Premiership than ever before.
Therefore Bristol will be well advised to give the coach whatever he asks for because of the potential riches on offer. This may mean taking a financial gamble or two but this is a small price to pay if the South West club are going to be near the top of the Championship table by the end of the season.
Hull added: "I'll look at who has shown a bit of form and which partnerships have worked so far, but we definitely won't pick the same team week in, week out. We're pretty competitive in a lot of positions, so we can afford to mix and match. I think you'll see a lot more of that this season."
Betting advice
Bristol look a fairly solid bet to go up this season. They have a very ambitious coach who says the right things and the club have backed him in everything he has asked for so far. There is no reason why they'd turn their back on him now so look around for the best odds and take them.
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