George Ford or Burns - threads merged

[Hinckley Bob]

The suggestion that Freddie could be used as a part exchange without his knowledge and agreement is clearly nonsense. He is not a serf to be passed between owners but free to negotiate his own contracts. Where it becomes a possibility is that Freddie was always a Bath supporter and may be prepared to accept such an offer.

[ellis9]

It is not a"wendyball" thing it is a professional sports thing.

This is how it is. Tigers want what they feel is a better player so are willing to let a very good player go to bring in the even better player.

You either want the best players at our club to get success or you don't. If you want success, then expect a slit throat and immoral actions.

[sapajo]

The suggestion that Freddie could be used as a part exchange without his knowledge and agreement is clearly nonsense. He is not a serf to be passed between owners but free to negotiate his own contracts. Where it becomes a possibility is that Freddie was always a Bath supporter and may be prepared to accept such an offer.

Well said, Freddie will be a free agent at the end of this season and will make his own decisions. Bath is where he hails from and who knows maybe he has had enough with not being geographically close to his friends and family.

[mol2]

If Burns is a free agent at the end of the season then the reality is that Tigers will have no say as to where he signs beyond offering him a contract themselves. He is no more ours to offer in part exchange for Ford than Dan Carter or Owen Farrell.

Personally I hope Freddie stays and I think he is a more talented player than Ford and I think Eddie Jones should be looking very closely at bringing him back into the England set up.

That's not to say that Ford isn't a very good player but if I had to pick I'd go for Burns.

[ellis9]

Burns free at the end of the season? Does his contract expire at the end of this season? He signed a new contract in December.

[drc_007]

I'm not sure why anyone feels Burns is being poorly treated. It seems to me that the club is simply being honest. They will always need to consider any top class players that become available. But any negotiations between the club and any players should be confidential.

He is, and remains (hopefully) a valued player.

[Offside]

Premiership rugby and thus Tigers are a business but businesses that mess around with the emotions of employees do not , in general, perform well in the long term. I do not know what went in a t Bath in relation to Sam Burgess and other players leaving but the suggestion made is the Mike Ford "lost the dressing room". George was presumably piggy in the middle with that. If Tigers get into a similar atmosphere of player recentment then we could end up 9th too. Virtually the same team of players with a new coach are 3rd but George wants out. Not a good path to follow for Tigers.

Who is the best player? I think England selection is a bit if a red herring as England Coaches do not like the mercurial and stick to steady predictable types. Either would be good for Tigers but not at the expense of team or player moral. I hope that has not been too dented already. I shall give Freddie a big cheer on Saturday!

[sapajo]

I stand corrected Burns signed a new 2 year deal back in January but of course if the club and he agree then he can become a free agent

[wormus]

Support Freddie by giving him a great cheer at every opportunity on Saturday

Totally agree - remember when the Crumbie rocked to the chants of "Freddie, Freddie, Freddie" etc let us fans make him feel wanted this Saturday & put Myler off his game too.

[G.K]

Weighing in a bit late on this but I'm struggling to understand the nett gain in bringing back Ford if it means losing Burns. Both have their good points and bad points and Ford is likely to be more expensive.

Also like to keep Williams, unless of course he wants to return to Wales. He can play 10 and 12 and we're not exactly over resourced in that area at the moment.

[voice of the crumbie]

If Burns is a better player than Ford why is he not in the England Elite squad?

Just asking.....

Tom Youngs is a better player than Hartley yet he isn't in the EPS. Enough said.

[Hot_Charlie]

If Burns is a better player than Ford why is he not in the England Elite squad?

Just asking.....

Tom Youngs is a better player than Hartley yet he isn't in the EPS. Enough said.

Jones like his modern hookers to be 6ft plus I suspect.

[SirGordonRamsey]

Support Freddie by giving him a great cheer at every opportunity on Saturday

Wish I could be there to add to the roar!

[Rykard]

I wonder if James Hook going back to Ospreys has any bearing on where OW will be going?

[Cardiff Tig]

If Burns is a better player than Ford why is he not in the England Elite squad?

Just asking.....

Tom Youngs is a better player than Hartley yet he isn't in the EPS. Enough said.

Ford is the better player - he has been representing England at every age group, and is the first choice 10 for England. Whether or not he stays at 10 if we get a better 12 for England remains to be seen (personally I think Farrell is developing into an excellent 12). Personally I don't see Burns developing into a better player than Ford. Burns is 3 years older - Ford will develop just as much as Burns, and with the added exposure of international games.

Place kicking needs to improve with Ford, but Tigers are also one of the only top teams who don't seem to have a backup kicker in their starting line up.

And that's probably the most ridiculous counter argument - Hartley has been excellent for England ever since he became captain!!