From the Touchlines: Crisis at the Tigers

Leicester Tigers could be forced to see out the rest of their season without their head coach after Heyneke Meyer returned to his native South Africa on compassionate grounds.

Meyer's wife's parents are both said to be seriously ill and it is unknown if, or even when, Meyer will return to Welford Road, which leaves the Tigers in something of a crisis despite the positive noises emanating from the remaining coaching staff and players.

Leicester are fourth in the Guinness Premiership and top their difficult Heineken Cup pool. Without Meyer at the helm, that could easily unravel in the next few weeks. First up, there's a tricky tie away at old adversaries Northampton in the Premiership and then two Heineken Cup weekends, the second of which sees a visit to the Ospreys, which could make or break their European ambitions.

Meyer might not be as influential to his club's ambitions as, say, Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, but it's difficult to see how Leicester will avoid derailing without their top man at the helm. And it begs the question, who will be brought in to replace him long-term? It's hardly ideal for a club that prides itself on its stability despite last season's disaster with Marcelo Loffreda. Tigers fans will be biting their nails going into the new year.

Can Leicester cope without their coach and are they still Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup champions material?

Comments

[Martin Gregory]

Fair point TG but was impressed by Saints. Showed some serious class and why Ben Foden isn't in the England line-up is beyond me. The lad is proper class and he's also finally got rid of his stupid girly locks. Surely that's enough for a recall in itself. Go on Jonno, name him in Wednesday's line-up. You knw you want to.

[TG]

Leicester looked a tad shabby against Northampton at the weekend. Not sure if that's because they're missing Meyer or not. Will have to wait to see what happens over the next few games.

[jamie [mufc]]

i hope worcester can finish mid table this year. we need to push on next year we have some good players and the new ground will give more fans chance to go.

just wish worcester city football club could be better like the rugby side. they seam to me to just buy old players all the time. the board have dragged them down.

yet look at local side like hereford they have gone up the league's

[waine]

I have just watched the interveiw with Benetez, As a LFC supporter I am wondering if it was his gall stones they took away or his brain. He maybe right in what he says but to fall into Fergies trap is to say the least rather stupid. He should have remained silent and done the talking on the field.

[madge]

reckon the tigers could still win the prem titlr without meyer. the players are professional enough and experienced eniugh to get the job done.

[Stu]

I've got a lot of sympathy for the guy but surely he'll be back. He knows he has a job to do and he'll go through with it. All the best to his in-laws though whatever there going through.

[Tiger Tim]

What odds on Loffreda being welcomed back at Welford Road? IT'd be quite a turnaround.