Winning cup would be a perfect end for Windo
6:05pm Sunday 11th May 2008
HAVING played his final game at Sixways, loyal servant Tony Windo is now setting his sights on developing Worcester Warriors' next generation of front row battlers as he takes his first steps into coaching.
The 39-year-old prop, who has been one of Worcester's best ever players since joing the club from local rivals Gloucester nine years ago, led the Warriors on to the field for the final Guinness Premiership game of the season and received the adulation of the Sixways supporters.
He said: "It was a really nice gesture by the club for me to lead the side out with the three other guys who are leaving and accept the applause from the fans - I was quite humbled by it all. I try and do my job the best I can and the fact people appreciate that makes me really grateful.
"We are definitely going in the right direction - everything that the coaches have been working on in training is starting to come out in training now. That bodes well for the future.
"In the past we've always been classed as a forward-orientated side, but what we are trying to do now is add attractive back play to it.
"We've got the weekend off to get rid of a few bumps and bruises so we can go to Kingsholm and hopefully get our first bit of silverware for a while. Selection provided, it would be a great way to hang up my boots and end my career by winning a trophy.
"When you have got support like we have, you can't not enjoy playing in front of them. On days like Saturday when you run in that many tries, I defy anybody to say they wouldn't want to be out there.
"I will miss match days, but I won't know how much until the first game of next season. However, pre-season will be coming up soon and I can assure you I won't miss that!"
n Premiership results: Gloucester 8 Bath 6; Leeds Carnegie 28 Wasps 45; Leicester 31 Harlequins 28; Sale 7 London Irish 17; Saracens 25 Bristol 20.