McCreedy sees big future for Dragons

11:21am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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RETIRING Newport Gwent Dragons team manager Jim McCreedy predicts a bright future for the region after receiving an emotional farewell at Rodney Parade on Friday night.

The result was right, the Dragons beating Magners League champions Leinster, the occasion was perfect and McCreedy's family sprung a surprise on him by handing over his grandchildren as he accompanied the team out on to the pitch.

"It was emotional," he admitted. "I was surprised my grandchildren and and my family were there to finish my role here and the manner of the night was fantastic. The crowd reaction was absolutely fabulous and I've got to thank them and my son for arranging it, I appreciate it.

"I've had so many good times in Gwent with Newbridge, Newport and the Dragons and with all the players and coaches. I'm pleased for Paul Turner with the new players coming in and the prospective new stadium which augurs well for the future.

"This season has been a huge disappointment, we got into a bad run and lost games we should have won, we were a better side than that and Friday night was a just reward for all the hard work put in."

McCreedy says he would like to remain with the Dragons in some position. "I'd like to continue in some sort of role in the set-up, but that remains to be seen," he said.

"It's hard to walk away, but I'm always about and if I can help I will, people know my number."

Prop Adam Black, the first player to reach 100 Celtic appearances, tried to explain the Dragons' sudden blistering form against the champions.

"It's always been there, we have shown glimpses and we felt a performance like this was just around the corner," he said. "We've got some of the noisiest fans in the league and they deserved this.

"It was a lot like the Dragons, a good performance then a break for the Six Nations and losing games. It's sad to see some players go, but we still feel we can do a job on most teams.

"Players like Jason Tovey, Phil Dollman and James Harris are the future and with some of the signings being made it will bring a breath of fresh air to the region and we can go places.

"We are the furthest behind of the regions, but we're catching up which we need to. The Heineken Cup is the biggest competition in Europe and performing in that has to be our goal. We always fight to the end here."

l The Dragons' bonus point against Leinster was the fastest in the league this season, their four tries in the first 20 minutes bettering Munster's four in 33 minutes against the Dragons on November 24. The all-time record is 17 mins 43 secs by Ulster against the Borders in May 2006.