Andy Goode: I would have loved to finish my career with Warriors (From Worcester News)

Andy Goode: I would have loved to finish my career with Warriors

10:30am Friday 8th March 2013 in Sport

ANDY GOODE: Chased by a number of leading clubs.

WASPS-bound fly-half Andy Goode has spoken of his disappointment at not being able to end his career in the blue and gold of Worcester Warriors.

The Sixways hierarchy decided there was no place for the former England man, who turns 33 next month, in their plans for next season, so no offer was made to the out-of-contract play-maker.

However, Wasps director of rugby Dai Young felt Goode still has plenty to offer in the top-flight and beat off the attentions of a host of Heineken Cup clubs to secure his signature on a two-year deal.

Despite his frustration at being released, Goode insists he has utmost respect for Worcester’s fans and the club’s board of directors.

He said: “It was disappointing not to be offered another contract by Worcester, but that was a decision for Richard Hill.

“He decided he did not want me for next season – he is the head coach and that was his decision to make.

“I have a great relationship with Cecil Duckworth and the Warriors fans and Cecil was disappointed that I am leaving, but the head coach makes the decisions.

“I will be leaving Worcester on good terms with Cecil and Dave Allen on the board and you have to respect the work Cecil has done to get the club to where it is now from the amateur days.

“There are now a few more people on board and Dave Allen is a big part of that.

“The support they give to the club is invaluable – we get massive support from those two guys and the others on the board.”

Although surplus to requirements at Sixways, Goode’s signature was coveted by a whole host of clubs – including his former employers Leicester Tigers and fellow East Midlands giants Northampton Saints – before he put pen to paper at Adams Park.

He said: “I was fortunate to have a few clubs after me and I nearly went back to Leicester, which would have been interesting.

“I would have loved to have finished my career at Worcester and I would have liked the opportunity to have been a coach here – maybe that’s something for the future, but who knows what might happen. A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought Leicester would have wanted me back, but they were keen too.

“Obviously, one thing led to another at Worcester and I have now signed for two years with Wasps and I am looking forward to that.

“I will be moving to London, which will be a new experience for me.

“Wasps have a young, talented back-line with plenty of English players and hopefully I can help out.

“They have been doing well this year and should be playing Heineken Cup rugby next year, which was a big thing for me – I spoke to a lot of different clubs about next season and they will all be playing in the Heineken Cup.”

Goode added: “When I was playing for Leicester, we had a fairly big rivalry with Wasps, but that was over five years ago now and it is a professional sport.

“Tom Varndell, who was at Tigers with me then, is at Wasps now too and is doing really well.

“It would have been harder going to Northampton, who I also spoke to, as they have a bigger rivalry with Leicester in terms of their geographical location.

“Wasps are a good club and they’re going well in the Aviva Premiership at the moment.

“They have a good squad and are pushing hard for a top-four finish this season.”