WE'VE re-signed Craig Gillies and Andre Van Niekerk this week at Sixways and that is a big, big boost.

Craig has become a huge factor in our success since his move in 2002 and he's proved his Premiership class.

We want top quality players at Worcester and we recognise the importance of keeping hold of our assets.

We've tied him to the club for another three years and I think that sends out a clear signal to the rugby world that we are building something here.

With Andre, his visa restrictions only allow us to offer him another season but I'm delighted that he's re-signed because he's impressed me.

It takes a little time to adjust when you arrive at a club mid-season. However, I think he's done well for us so far and his new contract is recognition of that. We always said he would add something to our scrum and he's done that. He's also played through the pain in recent weeks which always endears you to a coach!

Craig and Andre will be key players for us at Kingsholm on Saturday. It will be the first time I've gone back there since my short spell as coach in 2001. There's no doubt that it's a special club and the atmosphere, with a packed-out crowd and a derby with Worcester, should be something to savour.

I think the squad are intent on doing just that. There's been no fear in the camp and everybody is really looking forward to the match. We haven't played a Premiership match since January 1 so we're just happy to be playing a game, let alone such an attractive fixture.

It's such an interesting game for many, many reasons. You have John Brain returning to his old club and Tony Windo going back to Kingsholm for the first time since his move to Sixways. Thinus Delport makes his return following his summer switch and he'll be well aware of the potential abuse that awaits him if he drops a high ball in front of the Shed!

I'm sure he'll be a little bit nervous before the game but he was a bit of a favourite there at Gloucester with the supporters so I don't envisage a bad reaction from them. I think many of them wanted to see him stay on because they recognise quality rugby players. So do we and Thinus will, I'm sure, be looking to show the Gloucester management just what they've been missing since he arrived at Worcester.

The game represents a challenge for everybody. The coaches, the players but also the supporters. The Worcester fans have been fantastic this season so far and now they've got the chance to make themselves heard at Kingsholm. I'm looking forward to the on-the-field action but I also think the atmosphere will be special off it.

This week has been all about getting the players back and seeing just who had recovered from their injuries. Dale Rasmussen and Thomas Lombard are back to 100 per cent fit but we've been monitoring Tim Collier all week to see if he can be involved.

We'll fitness test him tomorrow but, certainly, as the week has progressed, he's improved each day. He's become an important member of the team this season since Tom Bowman left and we brought him in from London Welsh.

I'm sure there were a few eyebrows raised when we went for a so-called lower ranked player but Tim's been a colossus for us this season and we desperately want him to play. What we must make sure of, however, is that he doesn't make the injury worse and then misses the Leeds game next Friday.

We know that we'll be travelling to Kingsholm as many people's underdogs. However, we did it at Franklin's Gardens, we've beaten the European champions and we've made our presence felt in the Premiership.

Victory on Saturday would send out a clear message to everyone that we're here to stay. For us, there's absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.