Bath coach slams ‘ludicrous’ critics of match-winner Ford

Bath coach Toby Booth has hit back at critics who have criticized England fly half George Ford for his performances this season.

Twenty-two-year-old Ford kicked a touchline conversion in injury time against Wasps in Coventry to win the European Champions Cup match on Sunday.

Boot said that criticism of the young England star Ford’s form so far this season is unjust.

“Some of the things that have been written about him are ludicrous, absolutely ludicrous,” Booth told BBC Radio Bristol.

“I’m delighted for him, he showed what a quality player he is.”

Wasps were leading with 15 minutes left on the clock but Bath upped the pressure and stole the match with a late Anthony Watson try at the death.

Bath’s late heroics ended a two match losing streak for the side although both of the losses were in the Aviva Premiership.

“I’m delighted for the lads because there have been some things written about them that I think have been unjust,” he said.

“To show that sort of character, shows a lot about the players the play for Bath.

“Everyone is turning over stones to get the victories we so desperately want. The lads as they have gone through a lot of soul searching and effort off the pitch to make sure they are ready and that result pays them back.”

Bath head coach Mike Ford also revealed that Friday’s training session had been a full-on affair as the players had been angered by comments about their performances.

“It was a bit edgy, showing that players care about the position we are in,” said Ford,

“There weren’t fisticuffs or anything, but there were a few handbags thrown, and it just showed to me that the players – not that I needed to be shown – care about the position we are in, and it means a lot to them.

“Results had not gone our way. We took a lot of criticism for not being where people think we should be – but we are keeping the faith.

“Every game is small margins but we have confidence and belief in what we are doing.”