'Our mindset tomorrow is that it’s our last game at Sixways ever' - Worcester director Steve Diamond
Steve Diamond had high praises on players and staff members amid Worcester's financial instability
©PA
Worcester Warriors Steve Diamond admitted that the players will be heading into the weekend's clash against Newcastle Falcons at Sixways as if it is their last ever home game.
The Warriors managed to clear the first deadline given by the Rugby Football Union that they can host the Saturday's Premiership game but now they are left with an uphill task to provide evidence that they have sufficient insurance coverage for the players and staff payroll and also a credible plan for their future by Monday.
If the owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham fail to provide a satisfying proof, the club will be axed from all the leagues.
“Our mindset tomorrow is that it’s our last game at Sixways, ever," said Diamond ahead of the game against Newcastle Falcons.
“I am really proud of the lads going out tomorrow. There is no team-talk needed.
We have been in this period of near-purgatory for a while now, and it is starting to come to a head
“And we are going out into Worcester tomorrow night for a pint as a team. We are going to find some nice little bars and nightclubs for older gentlemen like me to stand in the corner.”
The club has been facing a lot of uncertainty after the HMRC issued a winding-up petition over an unpaid £6m tax bill apart from another £14m Covid loan issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Earlier on Thursday, the Worcester MP Robin Walker has addressed parliament asking DCMS to sanction Worcester into administration and Diamond is wary that the threat is imminent.
“We have been in this period of near-purgatory for a while now, and it is starting to come to a head, no doubt with us potentially being suspended on Monday.
“I don’t know how it has got to this position. It is sad, and it is diabolical that it has been allowed to walk itself to the graveyard, virtually, and I never thought it would get to this position, but it has.
“Just getting 23 lads out to give it their best shot is all I am interested in at the minute, and if people had the same mindset behind the scenes that I have got then it wouldn’t be in the position it is in.”
