Andy Williams admits Brian Ashton's appointment has revitalised the club.
As the final days of December tick away, New Years celebrations may just be tinged with an element of sadness for the players of Bath Rugby, as they say goodbye to a month that has seen them sidestep four tough tests on the way to an impressive quadrant of victories.
Things had looked bad for Bath as the festive season loomed large, due to a winless November that had ended with coach John Connolly finally returning to his native Australia.
However, the imminent arrival of highly-rated coach Brian Ashton, added to three cup wins and a significant away triumph at Worcester, has prompted renewed optimism for the West Country club, and scrum half Andy Williams admits he cannot wait for the new boss to take the reigns.
"I am lucky to have worked with some very good coaches in my time with Mike Foley, Richard Graham and Wales coach Scott Johnson, and I must say that it is tremendously exciting having the opportunity to work with someone of Brian's calibre," Williams told the club website.
"There is a real buzz within the squad at the moment. We have had a great December results wise and have also transformed our Heineken Cup form into the Guinness Premiership, which is excellent. I feel that Brian's impending arrival just lifts that excitement another notch."
Although Ashton has yet to officially take charge of the former European Champions, he is already receiving credit for the renewed vigour in Bath's play.
Threes tries at Sixways provided further evidence of a more positive Bath side, and Williams is confident that the club has the perfect trio to take them back into the upper echelons of the game.
"He (Ashton) is a renowned coach, who places an emphasis on attack, so personally I am very excited.
"As players we all want to improve and in Brian, Mike and Richard I believe that we have the right combination of coaches to take this team forward and challenge for honours."
