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Have Bristol Got the Squad?

Recruiting poster
By Ian Todd August 6 2007
With the new season nearly upon us, the question is does Bristol have the squad to compete in both League and Heineken Cup? Other sides have recruited extensively and expensively. Sides which struggled (and were even relegated) have taken on high profile internationals.
With the new season nearly upon us, the question is does Bristol have the squad to compete in both League and Heineken Cup? Other sides have recruited extensively and expensively.  Sides which struggled (and were even relegated) have taken on high profile internationals.  Gloucester, top of the league at the end of the regular season, have taken, amongst others, Chris Patterson from Scotland and Lesley Vainikolo from Rugby League. 

Bristol, in contrast, have recruited much lower profile players.  Granted that a player of the stature of Andrew Blowers joined earlier than originally planned, but it is hardly disrespectful to note that players such as Hayden Thomas and Peter Bracken are far less well known.  However, they are in keeping with Bristol's stated philosophy of taking on players who will fit in with the team ethic. 

Will this approach be as successful in the future as it surprisingly, for many observers, was last season?  The concern is that Bristol will not have moved on, and will not be taken as lightly as some opponents took them previously.  Combined with the improvement in other squads this may mean a season of struggle after the heights scaled last season. 

Alternatively, it may be that Bristol have rightly stuck to a strategy that has already delivered promotion, survival and a highest ever league finish and which is intended to deliver long term success.

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Re: Have BRistol Got the Squad?
Posted by: FOB Dursley in the Heathen Province (IP Logged)
Date: 2007:08:06:17:45:39

I assume Patterson is not available until after the RWC and 6 Nations.

Not sure how valid a signing that is ,.....

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