My sacking affecting George - Mike Ford

Omnisports

May 31, 2016 8:59 AM

George Ford struggled with the boot for England against Wales on Sunday and his father Mike believes his own sacking from Premiership side Bath has not helped.

___5094503___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5094503___2016___5___31___15___georgeford-cropped_31t3q6hlsi8t12vdfnxbgt32q_2

George Ford struggled with the boot for England against Wales on Sunday and his father Mike believes his own sacking from Bath has not helped.

Ford Jnr missed six of his seven attempts from the tee during England's otherwise convincing 27-13 win at Twickenham.

His disjointed display at fly-half attracted widespread criticism and was a cause for concern ahead of England's upcoming tour to Australia.

And Mike Ford - who left Bath after three seasons as head coach - said his departure had taken its toll on his son.

"George is a strong kid and has achieved quite a lot in his short career so far and you forget how young they are, these kids, and also the affect of my sacking on him," Ford Snr told The Telegraph.

"We are unbelievably tight and close and it affects him that I got sacked. He doesn't want that, he is like every child whose dad loses his job but, with George, he has then got to go out and play for England.

"It affects your life and he took it badly, like we all did. We talked about it and I told him he would be all right, just go out and train well. But the thing about him - and there have been times when he has missed kicks at Bath - is that it never affects his performance.

"He doesn't shrink away from things, he keeps getting ball on the front foot and keeps trying things. He is pretty courageous. It has been a long season for them all and there is fatigue but I have no doubt that he will bounce back. He has done it many times in his career.

"You want your son to do really well and, when he misses a kick, it affects you. But he will bounce back. He has started 19 games and England have won 17 out of the 19 games. People soon forget."

Omnisports