George Ford has “the best years ahead of him” according to Alex Sanderson who feels the England star's game management skills can help Sale become realistic title contenders.
Ford, 29, left Leicester Tigers on a high having helped guide them to their first title in nine years, and returned to his native North West where there is every chance he will finish his playing career.
But, far from feeling he has captured an international entering the twilight of his career and potentially seeing his halo fading in the coming years, Sharks boss Sanderson insists it is the complete opposite. And that Ford is not just the perfect man to drive forward Sharks' own dreams of title success but has the potential to keep on growing as a player.
Sanderson, below, says: “George is in the prime of his rugby career. It seems like he's been around forever because he turned pro at 16. At Sharks, I want him to be in an environment where he can flourish. I expect what he expects from himself… that's the best of him. Speaking to him I think his best years are yet to come. He's the sort of player whose game is not based around his speed, even if he is fast, can make breaks and can tackle. His game is based around his decisionmaking and how he uses the ball.
“He's got so many caps for England and done this and that but doesn't have an ego. And if you combine those things in the next four or five years, or however long he wants to play, why shouldn't he get better as a player. He will also be close to his family support base, and we will provide a base so we can challenge him.
“The inclusion of George here, on the back of what he did for Leicester, will help us manage games better. We need to kick better and know when to kick or throw the ball around.”
Sanderson is confident his side can now break into the top four and insists his men must not settle for second best. He says: “You have to aim for top spot, don't you. You have to aim for the stars and see where you land. With a bit of luck, in terms of injuries etc, we can certainly be there or thereabouts.
“We've had some changes with guys leaving and others coming in. Young guys like Bevan Rodd, Raffi Quirke, James Harper, Cobus Wiese, all quite young. They are going to be a season better and raring to go again.”
