DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons believes Worcester Warriors have gone “a long way” towards shifting players’ mentality as they aim to “look up the table” next season.

Warriors have consistently been embroiled in relegation battles since first gaining top-flight status 15 years ago.

Last season saw Worcester involved in a scrap with Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Falcons before a run of three victories from their final four games saw them pull clear of safety.

But Solomons saw progress in their 10th-placed finish as they registered a club-record equalling nine Gallagher Premiership wins and the points tally of 46 was their highest since 2006 when they came eighth.

“I think we went a long way towards (getting players) to look up the table,” Solomons said.

“As I have said to the players we need to be the best we can be.

“That’s success for us and from there you see how things pan out.

“We need to raise our standards this year, work really hard and make sure that when it comes to the competition we are the best we can be.

“That’s the target that we have.

“I think we have a good squad and good strength in depth so the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.”

Warriors won seven of their 11 league matches at Sixways last term and Solomons said it was key they continued that form.

“Your home games are really important, you want to be successful in those,” Solomons said.

“I think back to Northampton where we had that intercept in the right-hand corner that turned the game and we didn’t start well in that match either.

“I also thought we blew the Newcastle game here and were unfortunate not to win the Wasps game.

“But overall I was happy with our home form and we need to build on that.

“This season is about building and improving on what we managed to achieve last season.”

Just 10 points separated 10th-placed Warriors and the top four and Solomons expects the league to be just as tight next term with London Irish, who have signed a number of internationals, coming up from the Championship.

“Last year it was an extremely strong competition and it will be absolutely no different next season,” Solomons said.

“It is a wonderful competition but there is no easy weekend, that’s for sure.

“I think we have got a good mix of lads that have come in, like Melani (Nanai), (Matt) Moulds and Conor Carey, who have all got good experience.

“I think the lads that we have brought in will add value to the squad.”