It is not Bath's illustrious past that Gary Gold and his coaching staff have been selling prospective players during their recruitment process – but instead the hope of a bright future.
Matt Garvey became the latest player to buy into that yesterday when the club announced the 25-year-old forward's arrival from London Irish for next season.
First-team coach Mike Ford says yesteryear's trophy cabinet did not prompt Garvey to follow fellow new signing Jonathan Joseph from Irish to The Rec, with instead the promise of a dream development centre the clincher in the deal.
"I think with every player we have looked at this year, we've sold them the club on the basis they will get better and be developed," said Ford.
"If one-to-15, one-to-30 and one-to-50 in the squad get better, then we are going to have a better team, we are going to win more games and we are going to be in more of these big games like we are at the weekend.
"To a man, that's the reason they want to come – not because Bath is a glamour club or anything like that, it's because, ultimately, we are signing an individual that's driven.
"Obviously (Bath first-team coaches) Neal (Hatley) and Toby (Booth) know Matt better than I do and they sing his praises in everything that he does. They swear by him – his work ethic, his understanding of the game, his rugby awareness – and that's not even mentioning what he can do at set-pieces, line-outs and scrums.
"I've watched his footage and he's a very good leader as well, which is always handy. And he's hungry. He's only 25 and came into the game late, so he wants to prove things."
Garvey said the potential for improvement at Bath is hugely exciting, adding: "I know the environment there is a tough one, but I am sure it is also one that will make all of us better players. I look forward to joining the squad, and to testing myself among the players there and fighting for a place in the team."
