Edinburgh Evening News reports
BILL LOTHIAN

ANDY IRVINE today dropped the strongest hint yet that Borders coach Steve Bates could be in line for a switch to Edinburgh Gunners - but in only emergency circumstances.

And, in a further development sure to delight Gunners fans, SRU president Irvine revealed that plans to ensure all home games take place on Friday nights instead of being spread over Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays had been agreed with the Celtic League's broadcast partners.
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Speaking ahead of tonight's SRU annual meeting at Murrayfield Irvine said that, with uncertainty still clouding the future of the three professional teams while investors are sought, contingency plans had been drawn up. If a decision has to be reluctantly taken to wield the axe, almost certainly on either Bates' Borderers or Glasgow, then one of the two coaching incumbents will take over the Capital reins.

"We have another plan for an Edinburgh coach based on the three teams continuing which I hope will happen but as to whether the person secured is from home or abroad it's too sensitive to say at this stage," said Irvine.

That suggests the outside coaching target is already in employment and such reticence contrasted with Irvine's views on Bates whom he earlier praised for guiding Scotland A to a Churchill Cup win over England A in Canada this month.

"What Steve did in helping ensure Scotland beat England at A as well as at senior level can't be underestimated," said Irvine. He added: "We have got someone in place to coach Edinburgh (where Todd Blackadder has returned to New Zealand) but cannot yet press the button. If there are two pro teams it will be one particular coach - if there are three it will be another.

"An individual has basically been secured but it will be at the end of next week before negotiations are complete. So far as Steve Bates is concerned we would be very reluctant to move him from somewhere he wants to stay.

"If it did come down to two, Steve Bates is obviously very highly-regarded but I like to think more positively [in terms of retaining all three teams]."

Fans have been clamouring for months to ensure that the Gunners play on Fridays and, offering assurances, Irvine said: "The only non-Friday games for Edinburgh will be in the Heineken (European) Cup because of the broadcasting agreement. All Celtic League games will be on Friday and we are working closely with Setanta. Scottish rugby should be structured so that the pro-teams play on a Friday and Saturdays belong to the clubs."

This article was posted on 30-Jun-2006, 12:39 by Hugh Barrow.