Ian McGeechan Quotes (18 Quotes)

He's part of a new generation of players and we thought that in Lawrence's absence it was important that the leadership of the team stayed within the forwards,

They showed great control with the ball (against Northampton) last week, and played very impressively. We know we will be challenged in every area.

I always felt we needed a coach who understands what the Scottish game is all about, what it's capable of and what suits it,

I'm sure the team drew some confidence from the two wins in the summer. Obviously, we still need results under our belt because we haven't had results for the last 18 months or so, but looking realistically at the fixtures, there's the chance for two wins. The knack to success is getting a few victories and then building from there.

I really believe we can seize a lot of positives from the three games,

I didn't think we ever got control of the business end of the game. We didn't have the pace or wit.

The best time would appear to be as soon after the end of the season as possible.

It is hugely satisfying to see so many of our players receiving international recognition for their efforts at club level this season, but their absence will nevertheless prove a testing time for the squad.

Phil's talent and experience will be a significant loss to the club,

Lawrence is one of the giants of the English and world game and we are, of course, delighted that he is remaining with us for a further 2 years.

His loss was an immeasurable blow to the Lions cause, and his impact since he has returned to training with the club has been similarly invaluable.

We're keeping our fingers crossed it's not a fracture. He's gone to hospital for x-rays. It might just be the join but you worry when you see the ankle twist like that.

It was frustrating to watch the quarter-finals last weekend and not be part of them. We had a hard look at ourselves at the end of that particular group phase of the competition.

I was on the phone to chief executive David Davies all the time to get Raphael involved in the club. I am delighted to get someone of his experience in that front five.

We are a little unsettled due to injuries and face an Edinburgh team in form - they have lost only once at home since Christmas 2004.

For me, the top priority is that we have got to look after own destiny.

The five-day turn-around after Boxing Day is very tight, and we wanted to allow some players to recover fully from the Gloucester game.

This weekend's game is the biggest challenge you can have as a club, and we want to do ourselves justice following two previous poor performances on the road in the Heineken Cup. This is about playing for pride and measuring ourselves against the best in the northern hemisphere.