THERE were many criticisms of Worcester Warriors during their relegation from the Aviva Premiership.

But they certainly can’t be accused of being under-prepared when it comes to trying to return to the top-flight of English rugby.

The club have left no stone unturned in their bid to be successful with a backroom team that now totals 37 following the addition of retired fly-half Paul Warwick.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan has spoken of operating at Premiership standards and the structure at Sixways echoes that.

That figure of 37 includes position-specific coaches, strength and conditioning experts, medics, analysts and nutritionists for both the first XV and academy at Worcester.

It is 14 more than currently on the books at Greene King Championship title rivals Bristol, while reigning Premiership champions Northampton Saints only have 25 listed on their website.

With such a set-up, the 56 first team and academy players employed at Sixways will be looked after to the nth degree and nothing will be left to chance.

Many of the new recruits I have spoken to this summer have talked of the professionalism they have encountered amid a punishing pre-season.

It is difficult to argue against that when presented with what Ryan has put in place.

However, there is a flip side. With everything seemingly in place, the expectation for Warriors to succeed is ramped up.

Ryan has made his mark and there is no doubt that this is now his regime, not one he inherited from Richard Hill.

It is now up to him and his team to make it work and get Warriors heading back in the right direction.