Head Coach Dai Flanagan is determined to steer Dragons onto the right path to success – and acknowledges the off-season will be a crucial time as he looks to take the club forward.
Flanagan is coming towards the end of his first full season with the Men of Gwent - a campaign that has seen change and off field distraction.
He acknowledges it will take time to break habits and set different standards as he looks to take Dragons on a new direction.
But it is a challenge Flanagan is certainly relishing despite recent results.
“We’ve been disappointed with outcomes, but process wise we feel we are on the right track,” said Flanagan.
“We’re trying to change a lot of habits that have been inbuilt over many, many years here in Gwent, trying to set different standards. That takes time.
“I want people to stand up and take ownership - really own what they do.
“That takes trust, and I’m working my tail off to make sure I’m building trust with these players.
“I want to do what is right for them. I want to back them, I want to support them, put them in positions where they can achieve excellence.
“To do that, and for them to trust me to do that, will take time. But I do feel we are on the way.
“I mean this in all the right ways, but I’m looking forward to when the season finishes personally because the effort this group has shown to get through what they have got through has been unbelievable,” he added, referring to off field distractions.
“I can’t compliment my playing group enough for how they have behaved throughout the whole process.
“The first time as Head Coach has been tough, I’m learning along the way, but it’s making sure that we reflect on it. Having that time (in the summer) will be valuable.”
We’re trying to change a lot of habits that have been inbuilt over many, many years here in Gwent, trying to set different standards...
