SIXWAYS stalwart Chris Pennell has urged Worcester Warriors’ bosses to thrash out a “five-year plan” in a bid to kick the club on to greater heights.

The long-serving full-back has welcomed the sale of Warriors to Jed McCrory’s consortium, stressing that it would create “stability” at the Premiership outfit.

During his 11-year playing career Pennell has seen numerous changes in personnel behind the scenes and in the coaching set-up while his boyhood team have battled to retain their top-flight status.

The 31-year-old who has made more than 200 appearances for Warriors is now keen to see a long-term vision from McCrory and chairman Bill Bolsover.

“I think (the new ownership) provides stability and with a platform to really make some longer term plans which can only be a good thing,” Pennell said.

“I think from that point of view it is very positive.

“It is so important (to have a long-term vision) because it is something that we have not necessarily had as a whole business so having stability not only from an ownership perspective but from a coaching and commercial perspective.

“If we can now knuckle down and get a five-year plan together I truly believe that we will start to kick on to where this club has been threatening to be for a number of years now.”

McCrory’s group of investors comprises of Errol Pope, who is the primary funder, Scott Priestnall and former Sale Sharks and Saracens player Dave Seymour.

Pennell reckoned it was a “smart move” to have Seymour who retired at the end of last season after 15 years as a player, involved.

“I think it is one of things that makes sense and there are other clubs that have started to structure their boards in a similar way,” Pennell said.

“For us I don’t think we are giving a huge amount of thought into it but I guess when you think about it, it is reassuring because when there are decisions being made someone is able to put across a rugby perspective.”

While Warriors were up for sale there was speculation over potential buyers but Pennell praised director of rugby Alan Solomons for ensuring his men focused on delivering on the pitch during that period.

“We have been aware of the position the club has been in for quite some time but we can’t let it impact us at all,” Pennell said.

“Our focus has purely been on our performances, trusting that the right decisions are being made behind the scenes.

“It’s not our position to really worry about these things. We just have to crack on and do our jobs.

“Solly has very much had us purely focusing on the rugby.

“Without a doubt he has been in plenty of meetings and had conversations around ownership.

“But he has shouldered all of that burden and allowed us as players to focus on what we need to be focusing on.”