I’m not ready to lead England, says World Cup hero Johnson

MARTIN JOHNSON last night rejected the clamour for his appointment as England manager by insisting his lack of experience rules him out of contention.

Prominent figures such as Clive Woodward and Leicester chief Peter Wheeler have demanded Johnson’s elevation to the England set-up.

Director of elite rugby Rob Andrew is conducting his review into the World Cup, with the future of head coach Brian Ashton still uncertain. Johnson is not under consideration in a coaching capacity but could fill the role of team manager if Andrew decided to create the position.

Installing such an inspiring figure to the national set-up — Johnson led England to World Cup glory in 2003 — would be universally welcomed.

But the 37-year-old, a popular figure on the corporate circuit, insists he does not possess the credentials for the role.

“If I ever got involved as manager of England then I’d want to do it with a bit of experience behind me.

“This is not the right time for me. If Rob were to call me now then I’d tell him the same thing. There’s a perception that I’ll turn up and everything will be all right,” he said.

“When things are going badly for England the coaches will not tell the players anything different to what I’d tell them.

“People are assuming I could walk back in — but it doesn’t work like that. There’s nothing to say that because you’ve played at the top level you’ll make a good coach or manager.

“I would never be arrogant enough to presume I could be a national team coach or manager without any experience.”

Johnson indicated a coaching position with England would be out of the question until he had gained some hands-on experience at a lower level.

“If I wanted to get involved in coaching I wouldn’t go straight in at international level. I’d try and get some coaching experience first,” he said.

“There’s no point doing it half-heartedly. When I get that feeling I’ll look at getting involved.

“Coaching is a difficult job. I got involved in the game to play, and that’s what I enjoyed doing. I didn’t get involved with the long-term view of being a coach.”

Andrew is expected to announce the findings of his review next month when he will detail the changes to the back-room staff, if any.

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards continues to be touted as a possible addition to the management team, but South Africa boss Jake White has faded from contention.