“The best up and coming coach” – Rob Burrow heaps praise on Championship coach

Today, is Rob Burrow’s 39th birthday and he has subsequently become the centre of attention on Twitter as his many fans and those he’s inspired with his fight against Motor Neurone Disease wish him well on his special day.

The Leeds legend was often at the centre of attention on the rugby field too. Whether it was creating spectacular tries like in the 2011 Grand Final or his brave defence all throughout his career, he was often the star of the show despite the quality alongside him in Leeds’ golden generation.

That said, even after his greatest performances he would always put the team before himself. That’s perhaps what made that Rhinos team so good. After all, they call them the band of brothers.

Very few of that great Leeds team want to be the centre of attention and instead focus on lifting those around them up and Burrow did just that yesterday when he heaped praise on James Ford.

The York coach was a guest on Sky Sports yesterday for their coverage of Batley v Bradford in the Championship play-offs and Burrow certainly appreciated hearing what Ford had to say.

In fact, the former Leeds number seven even called the York coach “the best up and coming coach there is” in his glowing post about Ford on Twitter.

Great to be hearing from James Ford for championship play offs. The best up and coming coach there is in my opinion

— Rob Burrow CBE (@Rob7Burrow) September 25, 2021

That said, it’s not been the ideal season for Ford and his City Knights. So, the praise was no doubt a welcome boost as he begins preparing for next year.

2022, promises to be a huge season for York. Ford has already assembled a star-studded squad including Burrow’s former teammate Adam Cuthbertson who helped Leeds to the treble and to the 2017 Super League title alongside the little halfback.

If Ford continues to develop in the way he has and the way Burrow appears to expect him to, York could push for promotion next year. Don’t be surprised if we see Ford in Super League soon.