Anxious wait for Ashton as Johnson set for England role
Andrew is expected to propose World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson as England’s new hands-on team manager, an appointment which will undermine Ashton’s position.
Ashton had been promised a manager of his own choosing – someone who would share the managerial burden but who would not get involved in rugby affairs.
But that changed after the RBS Six Nations Championship when senior officials at the Rugby Football Union (RFU) grew concerned over England’s inconsistent performances.
Andrew was given the green light to recruit Johnson, who is unlikely to accept the role unless he is granted full control over England affairs.
But that would leave Ashton, who guided England to the World Cup final last autumn and their best Six Nations finish in five years, in limbo having lost his powers of selection and his authority.
If that scenario pans out, Ashton could feasibly build a strong case for constructive dismissal.
The RFU have publicly insisted they want Ashton to remain on board but critics describe the union’s treatment of the head coach as “appalling”.
Former national coach Dick Best believes Ashton still has a huge amount to offer England under Johnson, but he cannot see any way Ashton would agree to continue working for the RFU.
“I find it amazing that in this day and age of human resources they have the audacity to treat someone in this fashion,” said Best.
“I don’t think he has been consulted the whole way through the process. It has been incredibly badly handled but that is in keeping with the way the RFU handle their business.’’
Last week the RFU claimed Ashton had been kept “fully informed” and insisted they had accelerated the process in order to reach a swift conclusion.
But Best has questioned why it took two reviews in the space of three months to reach the conclusion that a team manager was required.
Ashton and his predecessor Andy Robinson have both been arguing the need for an appointment since 2004.
Best said: “There appears to be a reluctance to give the coach what he wants. They have ignored his requests and gone out and got their own man.”
Despite being critical of the process and the RFU’s handling of Ashton, Best believes Johnson has all the qualities required to make a success of the role.
Johnson has not been involved in rugby since retiring as a player in 2005 but Best said: “Martin is an exceptional guy.
“Managing rugby players is something he has done through his captaincy career, on and off the field.
“He has been Lions captain twice, he has been England captain and won the World Cup. He has a lot of skills he can bring to the job and I think he can do a very good job for England.’’
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