Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea admits telling players they are surplus to requirements has made his life quite a challenge over the last couple of months.

The 39-year-old took over the reigns at the Stoop last week worked a three month notice period with former employers English Institute of Sport having been announced as Dean Richards’ successor before Christmas.

His desire to ensure he hit the ground running when he arrived in Twickenham ready for Saturday’s crunch clash at Bath meant he was fully involved with contract negotiations before officially taking charge at Quins earlier this month.

And the former Ireland international full-back reckons that process has given him a head start in his first fortnight at the helm.

“It has been a difficult few months because of my focus on my role at the Institute and also keeping an eye on things here,” he said.

“With player negotiations and re-contracting, it was important I met and spoke to players who might not be here next year.

“They have earned the right to be told early, so they can have the chance to look after themselves.

“It has been challenging, but hopefully I’ve got myself slightly ahead of the game and I’m not just starting cold.”

O’Shea has six games to bring Heineken Cup action to the Stoop for the third successive season and while he admits it will be a tough task, he is optimistic of his side’s chances of at least a top six finish.

“Three additional wins and you can be in the top four, but a couple of additional losses and you can be at the bottom of the table. That is an incredibly tight spread to have in any league,” he added.

“The ultimate goal is Europe and for the team to play to the level of their abilities in every game. If they do that, they are plenty good enough.”

Quins’ next three games: Mar 27 bath (a), Apr 3 Newcastle Falcons (h), 10 Leeds Carnegie (h).