Man and Ball: My Autobiography by Ferris Stephen

Author:Ferris, Stephen [Ferris, Stephen]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781473525856
Publisher: Transworld
Published: 2015-09-24T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

I make noises about seeking a move away from Ulster, but, as we head into 2009/10, there are some compelling reasons to stay. Unlike my automatic pay bump when I got my first Ireland cap, Ulster will not be topping up my wages now that I have toured with the Lions. I have two years left on my deal, but it is not extra money that will keep me with the club. We need to show signs we can compete with the best in Europe.

David Humphreys’ role is expanded to make him a full-time director of rugby. He will now oversee the day-to-day running of the team. Brian McLaughlin is confirmed as the new head coach, with former Ulster players Neil Doak and Jeremy Davidson joining up as his assistants.

Brian is similar to Mark McCall and Allen Clarke, in that he knows what Ulster Rugby is all about and what it stands for. He immediately instils a sense of togetherness; camaraderie. While Matt Williams was trying to be everybody’s friend, Brian is everybody’s friend. You just get on with Brian. He makes some decisions that may not always be right but all of the players get on with it and stick by him. He brings an intensity to training that we never had. One thing that is really, really bad in our game is our rucking. We are crap at it. He turns us into a brilliant rucking side. Everyone enjoys their time working with him.

Still, guys that are not getting selected by him are not enjoying it half as much as those who are. They are not getting on every week and are left playing for Belfast Harlequins or Malone. Certain lads think they should be playing because they are on £100,000 a year. It is always the way. If a coach is picking you, there are no issues with him. If he is not picking you, you find problems. Experienced and talented lads are not getting a game and there are complaints.

‘Brian is useless. He doesn’t know what he is doing.’

‘No, he is not. You just think he is because he’s not starting you.’

Brian is not picking them because he does not think they are good enough.

The appointment of Jeremy is key. I love working with him; there is no better man for motivation. He may not be the most clued in when it comes to preparation. He pitches up to a meeting, late, and whips out a laptop to preview the last week’s game. He has no clips cut. Already, at Ulster, we are used to having our clips packaged for us. We are sitting around, looking at Jeremy trying to flick from one line-out clip to the next.

‘Could you not have had some clips cut up for us?’

For all of that, he gets results. He really gets our maul working and, technically, makes changes that have a big impact on our line-outs. He is good for us and works well with Brian.

The senior players are

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