EXPENCTANCY levels in and around Worcester Rugby Club are sky-high as I prepare for Saturday's big kick-off at Orrell.

It is not something that worries me because I think if we do the basics well, we should win the league and gain promotion.

I am not being arrogant, I know we have the quality in the squad to achieve that. We still need to develop our game but we are capable of playing a brand of rugby which is very exciting because we've got some very, very good experienced players here.

I've had the squad for two months since my appointment as director of coaching but in that time, 10 new players have arrived. It's been a case of re-arranging and fitting in these guys but they will all bring something to the team.

One of my priorities is to get the senior players involved in making sure the newcomers settle in well and build up a good team spirit.

For me, the attitude of players is the most important thing and team spirit is a vital ingredient of a winning formula. I want players to take ownership of the club and feel part of it.

There is a long way to go because we need to develop a team culture which leads. You just have to look at the Rotherams and Leeds of this world and you can see their success is built on a base of players which has been together for a number of years.

With 19 different people in the squad from last season many people would say it will be difficult. However, we've done a lot of good things so far and the signs are encouraging.

The senior players who have come in, such as Alistair Murdoch and Earl Va'a, have helped others settle in. They have vast experience and know what is expected.

Having been a school teacher in the past, I am always looking for variety and try and make sure training is innovative.

What I want to build up is the squad toughness and that comes from dealing with adversity and being positive with it.

A lot of the guys would say I am a hard coach but I am here to do a job and get us into the Premiership. If players aren't going to do their jobs then they will know about it.

We have some early tests with the game at Orrell this week and then Leeds at Sixways next Saturday -- but if we all stick together then we should come through them.

There are a lot of players here with something to prove and, by their own admittance, they have under-achieved in the game.

Worcester people have made me feel very welcome, they are fantastic and deserve success. This job is a great challenge and something I am relishing. I chose it above other opportunities but if I get this right, this club will be the next Leicester within two or three years there's no doubt about it.

I've already had a good look around the city and was amazed to see two Aussie bars! -- not that I only want to meet Australians in Worcester!

It is a new experience for all of us at Worcester and it is an exciting time for supporters.

I want to make a difference here and play the game in the right way. However, we have to be flexible to achieve things.

Firstly the weather come January, February, doesn't allow you to throw the ball around so we have to get to the stage where we play the game to the conditions. We will need to be very disciplined because, in the first division, we are not going to get the best referees.

We will also come up against many sides who will try to knock us off our perch and spoil our game. So we will take each game on its merits.

We are in this together and with your support I am sure we can get where we want to be -- the Premiership. Just enjoy the ride.