Howard tipped for Tigers top spot

LEICESTER are expected to unveil a new head coach today as their search for Dean Richards’ replacement looks over.

Richards, the most decorated coach in the English game, left Welford Road in February following a disastrous run of results which saw the club exit the Heineken and Powergen Cups.

The Tigers’ league position also suffered as they lost eight players to the World Cup, although they have since climbed to seventh in the Zurich Premiership.

John Wells has overseen coaching since Richards’ departure, with help from veterans Martin Johnson and Neil Back, and will retain control of the forwards in the new management set-up.

Montferrand player-coach Pat Howard, who enjoyed a spell at Leicester which saw the Tigers land the 2001 Heineken Cup, is touted as the likely successor.