By Mally (on 07/08/02)
August 7 2002

The Mark Regan Saga has finally been resolved. Regan is pictured in todays Yorkshire Evening Post wearing the Tykes shirt, and is already talking a good game. If Regan plays as good a game as he talks then anything could be possible, he told the Yorkshire Evening Post that:

"There is no reason why Leeds can't do a Sale... It was only 2 years ago that Sale finished bottom yet last season they finished runners-up."

He continues: "It was a learning curve for Leeds last year in their first season in the Premiership but now we can only go on and improve."

It is not just the Tykes but Regan himself who have a lot at stake this year. The 30 year old international must have a brilliant season if he is to force himself into the England World Cup squad. The England no. 2 shirt is one of the most contested positions, with the likes of Steve Thompson, Dorian West, and Phil Greening all having worn the shirt.

Phil Davies told the YEP that he believes that he can help Regan attain the form he'll need if he is to challenge for the England No.2 shirt.

"There's bits and pieces of his make up that he needs to work on but I hope to help him in those regards."

Davies is confident that Regan will flourish in the Tykes set up and will be a big help to other players. Regan, Tom Palmer and Chris Murphy have begun working on the lineout, which according to the Tykes DoR is already "looking a lot slicker".

It would be fair to say that the fans reaction to the whole Regan signing saga has been somewhat mixed. On the whole Tykes fans see it as a positive signing. However there have been a few mutterings and warnings from fans of Regan's previous clubs. Bathfan was particularly negative:

"I hope for your sake that he is not such a disruptive influence and all round prat for your squad as he was for us. Cant wait to see him go."

Tykes fans will have to wait and see - I for one will put my trust in Phil Davies. Tykes have always been a team first and foremost, not a group of big stars with their own agendas. Phil Davies has a knack of picking players who will fit into the Tykes set up. The signings he made last season worked out well, & there is no doubt about Regan's playing ability - he is one of the best hookers in the country.

Mark Regan is certainly upbeat and positive about the Tykes and his own future, with the season only a few weeks away we will not have have to see if the talk translates into action.

Welcome to Yorkshire Mark!

Yorkshire Evening Post