Aviva Premiership
Craig lends backing to McGeechan
ESPNscrum Staff
December 26, 2011
Ian McGeechan is unveiled as Bath's new performance director, Farleigh House, Bath, England, June 30, 2010
Bath are struggling in the Aviva Premiership © Getty Images
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Bath owner Bruce Craig has backed Sir Ian McGeechan to turnaround the West Country side's fortunes.

The blue, black and white are currently languishing tenth in the Aviva Premiership and fell to Northampton 22-13 on Christmas Eve. The result was their seventh defeat in eight games and with their Heineken Cup aspirations gone after their back-to-back defeats to Leinster, Craig - speaking before their loss to the Saints - is adamant that he has full confidence in McGeechan's ability to bring the glory days back to the Recreation Ground.

"Of course, I've got total confidence in Geech," Craig told the Daily Telegraph. "He's a brilliant rugby brain and been successful wherever he's been.

"You don't become a bad coach overnight. I understand the views of supporters. But we're here for the long-term. I'm not the type to panic. I'm certainly not going to chuck the baby out with the bath water. We are on the right road at Bath."

Bath are currently struggling with injuries with the likes of Lewis Moody, Carl Fearns, Simon Taylor, Lee Mears, Dan Hipkiss and Tom Biggs all out. But club CEO Nick Blofeld - who has also echoed Craig's sentiments - expects the West Country club to kick on in the second half of the season. "Ian is still the man for Bath - and I wish critics would speak to me because we are very clear on where we are going," Blofeld told The Sun. "We are not looking to change the coaching panel and we are confident we have the right players.

"I was here two years ago when we went into Christmas 11th out of 12 and ended the season in the top four. I expect no less this season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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