Meehan points to new ethos

Meehan: Bath ready to evolve

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Bath head coach Steve Meehan believes the players have already put last year's controversies behind them following the first week of training for the new season.

The 2008-09 campaign was blighted by the sacking of co-captains Michael Lipman and Alex Crockett plus Andrew Higgins after they refused to take drugs tests following allegations of drug use.

Australian lock Justin Harrison was also implicated and retired from the game after a request for an early release from his contract was granted.

While the players face an RFL disciplinary hearing starting on July 29, Meehan and his squad are already setting about training with a view to starting from a blank canvas.

"The feeling has been a very positive one," he said. "The issue has separated from the squad now and whilst it was a topic of conversation it has not been an overriding issue.

"The feeling within the squad is strong. It is very important for us to come out of this and to be seen as the best club that can reach their potential.

"We are asking the players 'what do you want to be known for' and 'how do you want to be seen' and that allows us to look at our standards and what we must do.

"We can then look at our discipline and policies with regard to our off-field activities as well."

With new backroom staff, including Martin Haag as forwards coach and John Neal in the role as performance coach, Meehan believes the players will benefit from a fresh approach.

"It provides a different dynamic and, from a players point of a view, a different way of receiving feedback," he added.

"I think that those changes in the playing structure and the medical department, whether it be minor or major, means that we are all working in the same direction.

"We have the same drive and belief and everyone has to share that same ethos. We will evolve and improve."