"The week's been different," he said, "but the coaching team behind the scenes have known what they're doing. The lads paid attention to what we've done in the week and we managed to get a hard-fought win tonight.
"We stuck to the game plan and we played the first half very well. We had a shaky start at the start of the second half where we gave the ball away six or seven times through handling errors. If we could have controlled that, we could have won the game by a couple of scores more."
The forwards set the foundation all the time. We've managed to get our scrum sorted out to a large extent and our lineout's effective. They're hardworking lads," he added.
"Ross Harrison needs a special mention, at 19 years of age as he was outstanding. Tony Buckley has got a lot of critics but is coming on by the day. The problem we'll have is that Ireland will probably take him very soon.
"Danny Cipriani's settled in and he's controlling the way you want your number ten to make you play. Danny's now got a good relationship with Bryan Redpath. We're doing on the playing field on a Friday night what we practise.
"It's important to stay close to the two or three sides that are above us. We can't take anything for granted; we've got a fight on our hands until the end of April. This won't be sorted out by Christmas.
"All the other sides are good teams. London Welsh have proved that they're highly competitive. We've still got a lot to do, but today was the first step. We need to get eight/nine wins this year to guarantee that we stay in the competition.
"The players have maintained their focus for the last eight/nine weeks. When **** hits the fan and you don't win games that you're expected to, it's normally your players that fracture. They haven't done that.
"We've had our issues behind the scenes but they're sorted. So - a lot of credit to the players, to Dave Seymour and the senior lads. They've come out tonight and they've done well.
"Our key players will play in the LV= Cup. It's a good competition for us before the next Premiership games against Gloucester and Northampton."
Footnote:
With reference to his multitasking life at Sale Sharks, a national journalist asked him, "What shall we call you?"
Steve's reply: "A relieved man, tonight!"
Sale Sharks travel to London Irish on Sunday 11th November for the first of this season's games in the LV= Cup, followed by a home game against Saracens on Friday 16th November (Kick Off 8.00pm). We're giving a FREE junior ticket with every adult ticket purchased for our match against Sarries, which is Children in Need day.
For tickets, ring the Ticket Office on 08444 994 994 during office hours or buy online.
