EXPERIENCED number eight Gerrit Jan van Velze believes Edward Griffiths could be the man to give Worcester Warriors much-needed stability.

The former Saracens chief executive is understood to have held talks with Warriors’ bosses over a possible consortium takeover of the Aviva Premiership outfit.

But club chairman Bill Bolsover revealed conversations had come to a dead end, insisting the offer was “not one of the options any more”.

However, van Velze is rallying behind Griffiths who arrived as a consultant at Sixways in January before leaving last month.

Warriors have been put up for sale by owners Sixways Holding Limited after reportedly losing more than £16million over the last three seasons.

Speaking to The Rugby Paper, 29-year-old van Velze said: “Edward is a different individual who’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but he understands rugby and what makes players tick.

“If Worcester are serious about someone in that position, I think it will have to be a key individual, like Edward, who thinks outside the box and who is different to what you’ll normally find in a professional rugby club.”

Warriors are also searching for a new director of rugby after Gary Gold agreed to become USA’s head coach at the end of the season.

Bolsover said he was aiming to secure a new man for a three-year period.

Worcester currently languish at the foot of the table after losing their opening six league games.

Van Velze added: “What is key from Worcester’s point of view is stability.

“I signed for Dean Ryan in 2014 and there was a five-year plan which was the end goal in terms of consistency of a playing group and management.

“That didn’t happen, so whether you’re a Worcester supporter, academy kid or a senior player this place is gagging for stability at the top level and a long-term play that actually sticks.

“I’ve been optimistic about Worcester from day one and always will be because I can see what this place can do – the support base and facilities.

“If you look at Exeter and Saracens you can see what’s achievable with consistency, but it is people in higher places that make those decisions and that’s what they must do.”