Morson, a Sir Alex Ferguson pep talk and a fairy tale ending for Sale Sharks?
It’s been 17 years since the North’s premier rugby union team, Sale Sharks, lifted the Gallagher Premiership trophy for the first time.
On Saturday, the North and South will collide once again in an epic Sale vs. Saracens showdown at Twickenham. Sale Sharks has reported 10,000 northern voices will be heading down south to create a ‘sea of blue’ at rugby’s national home.
The gravity of this game is not to be underestimated, winning would give rugby union in the north a major boost. “We’ve been waiting for a long time and it’s massive… we will give everything,” said Sale and England centre Manu Tuilagi.
It’s a particularly proud moment for Ged Mason, Morson Group CEO, who took over ownership of Sale Sharks in 2016 alongside Simon Orange of CorpAcq. Over the past 7 years Ged, Simon and the club’s commitment to investing in talent, infrastructure, and community engagement has helped Sale build a dedicated fan base and establish a formidable reputation in the rugby world.
A proud northerner with a passion for sport and brand, Ged has spearheaded the Morson Group’s renowned sponsorship strategy. Supporting numerous clubs and sports people from Ricky Hatton, Antony Crolla and the PFL in addition to many other grassroots causes Ged, and the wider Morson Group, has helped hundreds of individuals realise their dreams.
Ged Mason, Sale Sharks co-owner:
“I recognised the potential of the Sale Sharks and their significance within the Northwest region, and I saw an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the sport and the wider community.
From the players, the coaching staff, the physios, and the nutritionists to Sir Alex Ferguson who came down to Carrington to share some wise words and big-game experience, it’s a true team effort on and off the pitch that got us here. And of course not forgetting the fans, such dedicated loyal support. I can’t wait to be part of the sea of blue on Saturday.”
Preparing for the big game: Morson CEO Ged Mason brings in Sir Alex Ferguson to deliver team talk gold
Ahead of Saturday’s big game, Ged invited long-time friend and sports legend Sir Alex Ferguson down to Sale’s Carrington training ground to deliver some pearls of wisdom to the team.
Tapping into his big match experience, the former Manchester United manager, spoke passionately about the importance of resilience and consistency. But it’s concentration, he said, that holds the key to trophy success. Wishing the players well for Saturday he remarked, “You’re not there to enjoy it, you’re there to win,” having joked they should also avoid wearing white suits for the occasion, in a light-hearted jab at Liverpool.
Sharks’ director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, praised Ferguson’s presence…
“We thought we’d try and wring a little bit of gold out of him and he didn’t disappoint.
The lads were on the edge of their seats. When it comes from Sir Alex’s mouth, it’s gospel, isn’t it? … he said the right things. It’s good to have him in our corner.”
The shape of Saturday’s team: with Alex Sanderson
Despite being fully aware of the challenge ahead, Sale Sharks director of rugby, Alex Sanderson acknowledges that the team will need more than wise words before facing off against the formidable Saracens.
The Saracens, who secured the top spot in the regular season and have become familiar faces at Twickenham, present a formidable opponent. Sanderson understands that victory against such a strong team will require a comprehensive strategy and exceptional performance from the Sharks.
Despite the absence of flanker Ben Curry, who underwent a recent hamstring surgery following his injury in the semi-final against Leicester, Sale Sharks have been putting in extra efforts to gear up for their Twickenham encounter.
To simulate the stadium atmosphere, they have trained on a slightly larger pitch than usual and incorporated loudspeakers to replicate the ambient crowd noise. Although they have taken measures to make the preparation as authentic as possible, Sanderson, acknowledges that the true pressure of the occasion cannot be replicated.
On behalf of Morson Group, we wish Sale Sharks all the best as they gear up for the highly anticipated Premiership title match at Twickenham on Saturday.
We recognise the hard work, dedication, and skill that has brought the team to this prestigious stage, and we have every confidence in their ability to deliver an outstanding performance.
May the players showcase their unwavering determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship as they compete against their formidable opponents.
We’ll be joining the ‘sea of blue’ ready to cheer on the team on Saturday, will you?
