Goodman is capped at England Under-21 and Under-19 level

Bedford Blues forward Chris Goodman says his side can take inspiration from the exploits of Exeter.

The Chiefs have held their own in the Premiership since winning promotion from the Championship last year.

Former Bath back-rower Goodman, 25, told BBC Three Counties Radio: "Exeter really threw the gates open.

"They proved to a lot of doubters that with a lot of hard work, graft and simple rugby, played extremely well, that any team can make it up."

The Blues improved their own promotion credentials on Sunday with a 31-18 win at Birmingham & Solihull, leaving them second in the table, six points adrift of leaders Worcester.

It's a big step up for ourselves but it would be fantastic to take that step up Bedford's Chris Goodman

A run of just one defeat in their last eight outings has allowed Goodman to consider the possibility of a return to the Premiership with the club he joined in the summer of 2009.

"Every team in this league has to be realistic, it's a big step up for ourselves but it would be fantastic to take that step up," he said.

"We know the league structure, that you have to be in the top eight and it's down to a final.

"Anything can happen, we just have to wait and see."

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