Sharks on the way up
January 30, 2012 12:37:57 UK
Sale Sharks' centre Luther Burrell claims they are heading in the right direction on their quest to becoming a leading Aviva Premiership outfit.
We thrive now on being the northern club, the superior northern club and we're the number one team.
Luther Burrell
Burrell was on the bench for their 37-7 thrashing at northern strugglers Newcastle Falcons in the LV= Cup, a result which sent them out of the competition.
But the Huddersfield-born three-quarter believes executive director of sport Steve Diamond has laid the foundations for Sale to progress over the next few years.
"I think Steve came into the club last year halfway through the season and started turning things round and he's come and ripped the place apart," he said.
"He let 20+ players go and brought in another 20+, so he's not messing about and I think that's what you need, players to respect your management and that's what you've got here."
Despite the Sharks' promising campaign so far, both Falcons and Leeds Carnegie have struggled to succeed at the top level.
With Leeds being relegated last season and Newcastle's Premiership status hanging by a thread, that will leave Sale as the only top-flight side north of Leicester, but Burrell insists that can be a positive.
"We thrive now on being the northern club, the superior northern club and we're the number one team," he said.
"Essentially, we want everybody from the north to come and play for our club.
"I don't think Newcastle are stable enough at the moment and the same with Leeds. The set-up here is world class with what Steve's done."
The Six Nations begins next Saturday, with France hosting Italy for the tournament opener. England also play on the Saturday in Scotland and are 1.80 to grab a win in their first tie, Scotland are 2.20 to secure the bragging rights and the draw can be backed at 21.00.
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