The only way seemed McGlock
Untested, novice, amateur whatever way you put it when Brian McLaughlin entered the helm of taking the coaching job at Ulster he was unknown outside of the Emerald Isle, a school teacher who excelled in dealing with the youth of rugby to a standard hugely respected by his peers. An ex Royal Belfast Academical Institution student who attended the school whilst Brian McLaughlin was the 1st XV school coach acknowledged what a fine coach Brian was during his tenure. The current team at the time who weren't expected to be as successful in terms of achievement and ability compared to the previous elite teams with their rich vein of schools cup rugby history. Brian used his skills and transformed this team into a schools cup winning team which was another success in Brian's CV.
Comparisons could be seen with the Ulster team he took over, a developing team, lots of promise that just needed to be nurtured to become a formidable force and Brian exploited this which has been shown in the past two seasons. A quarter final Heineken Cup apppearance vs Northampton followed by a semi final appearance in the then Magners League, in the 2011/2012 season Ulster were seen to have stepped up another level with a Heineken Cup final appearance, the domestic form wasn't as good as the previous season although various pundits agreed that Ulster could be on the brink of becoming a force that could make various finals in the coming years.
The emergence of players under McLaughlin's rule again highlights his youthful influences, players emerging such as the skilful, exciting winger that is Craig Gilroy, the solid unit that is Nevin Spence plus various other youngsters stepping up to the plate. Brian is noted for his skills with the youth, although it can't be ignored that various members of the senior team are stepping up to the plate. Rory Best has become one of the best hookers in the Northern Hemisphere, his performances have been matching his pride for the red hand on the jersey, Stephen Ferris is arguably one of the best blindside flankers in the world with his right hand man Chris Henry becoming one of the most underrated players in European Rugby. Surely it's no coincidence that when the story broke about Brian McLaughlin not getting a contract renewal, the fans shared their dismay although the players never spoke about their feelings although their admiration and respect is something that has always been apparent. Various media kept using talking about Brian's success but this day was always coming with David Humphreys feeling they needed to go up another level and it was decided it wouldn't be with Brian.
The question is what can Ulster do now with Mark Anscombe that Brian McLaughlin didn't? Win the Pro12 league? Win the Heineken Cup? Every Ulster fan will have an their own opinion whether this can be done with the current team with the new signings coming in Tommy Bowe, Roger Wilson, the rumoured Niall O'Connor and another potential signing which is likely to be a back row squad player.
Personally I believe the growing giant that is Ulster will continue to grow but with an even greater intensity, with Brian's role being defined within the Ulster youth system plus Mark's ability coming in to change the Ulster way of playing with his defence minded system, surely the cup final day out will become an ever more frequent date in the calendar. One thing that is already for sure is that Ulster fans will be behind Mark Anscombe and his Southern Hemisphere influences.
