GEORDAN Murphy last night received the Leicester version of ‘royal' approval from one of Tigers' favourite sons, Dean Richards.
Newcastle may have lost a high-scoring Premiership shoot out 49-33 but that did not stop the former Leicester boss from commenting on the latest change in management at Welford Road.
“I think Geordan is a great choice”, said Newcastle's director of rugby after a week when Leicester sacked Matt O'Connor and installed another long-serving player and backroom figure in the former Irish full-back.
Richards, who led Leicester to four Premiership titles and two European Cup wins when director of rugby for six years from 1998, added: “Geordan's got flair, he's got ambition, he understands the game incredibly well, he's very well respected. “He's a great choice to go forward with and the boys will back him. Irrespective of how well Leicester did today and the match unfolded, I think he's a really good choice.”
Richards own career at Leicester ended in dismissal in a tenure which saw him help bring Murphy to Welford Road. Murphy's modesty shone through his postmatch Press conference. He paid tribute to O'Connor and said he was disappointed in what had happened.
But he said he was determined to do his best in a role which has become one of the most difficult in world rugby. Murphy said he expected the Leicester team to produce a much better performance yesterday because of the events and the criticism after losing 40-6 at Exeter last Saturday. “There's always a reaction when you lose a coach and a result like that at Exeter. The boys were really disappointed how we played. “A lot ex-players commented on that performance and it's not nice when that happens.
“Hopefully, we've seen a start of where we want to go. The players have been first class. They just want to get out there and do their job. That's similar to myself. They want the club to be in a strong position. “I care about the club and want us to go forward now. I don't know whether I'm the right man for the job but while I have it I will do my best.
“That's all I'm doing – taking it one game at a time and we'll see how it goes.”
