I was surprised when on the 10th June, at a press conference in Edinburgh, Geech announced that he would be quitting Northampton to work alongside Scotland coach Jim Telfer in preparation for the 1999 World Cup. Apparently, this was the only job that could have tempted him away a week after he had written his letter to us and he left without any compensation for the remaining four years of his contract. I spoke to him some years later and he told me that he had no intention of ever leaving Northampton. Sadly, his wife Judy was not well and he had to get away. It was sad to see him go, but he left a legacy at the club that set us up very well for the 1999/2000 season. I read his programme notes dated the 23rd January 1998 when we played against West Hartlepool. He wrote that the vision he had for the club was now taking shape and whether he was here or not in the future, the club should be able to run smoothly, and this is what he did.
Geech had predicted the season before that we had a game that could win the European Cup. Now that is visionary. I didn’t always fit into his plans as a player, but I did seek his approval. He got us playing in a style that was unique and gave me many happy years at Northampton. He was influential in ensuring that my contract was extended and that I would be granted a testimonial.
