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Ashton favourite for England post Ashton favourite for England post
(about 3 hours later)
England's new head coach will be named on Wednesday and attack coach Brian Ashton is favourite to land the job.England's new head coach will be named on Wednesday and attack coach Brian Ashton is favourite to land the job.
English rugby's elite director Rob Andrew will make his nomination to Rugby Football Union (RFU) bosses on Wednesday for approval.English rugby's elite director Rob Andrew will make his nomination to Rugby Football Union (RFU) bosses on Wednesday for approval.
Ex-England captain Phil de Glanville said Ashton is an outstanding coach - if he is left to get on with the job.
"He's a world-class coach (but) if it includes what Andy Robinson was doing, then that needs a manager," he said.
The 60-year-old Ashton joined up with England for a second time in May, along with forwards coach John Wells and defence guru Mike Ford, to help Robinson arrest England's decline since the 2003 World Cup.
But Robinson was axed following England's dismal autumn Test series, during which they lost to Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand.
Brian enjoys pure coaching and if that's the role then there's no-one better Former England captain Phil de Glanville
Ashton was head coach of Ireland between 1997 and 1998 but a lacklustre spell of results saw him replaced by Warren Gatland.
The Lancastrian then spent four years as a member of Sir Clive Woodward's England coaching staff before becoming the RFU national academy manager.
He has also spent two periods at the helm of English Premiership side Bath.
De Glanville, who played under Ashton at Bath, added: "Brian's certainly the man to be leading the way England play.
"But I don't know what the remit for Andy's replacement will be - what will his job involve exactly?
"The liaison with the RFU and clubs is a big element of the job.
Ashton did not enjoy much success while coaching Ireland
"If that's still part of the job then it wouldn't be something Brian would enjoy. That's not where his strengths lie.
"Brian enjoys pure coaching and if that's the role then there's no-one better."
RFU chairman Martyn Thomas hopes a new head coach will herald a fresh era for the struggling world champions.RFU chairman Martyn Thomas hopes a new head coach will herald a fresh era for the struggling world champions.
"We have got to get back to winning on the field and that's what I want to focus on," Thomas told www.rfu.com. "We have got to get back to winning on the field and that's what I want to focus on," Thomas told the RFU's website.
Things have to change - everything is on the table and nothing is sacred RFU chairman Martyn Thomas
"Rob is supremely qualified and I and the board have got every confidence in his ability to tell us what he wants and for us to support him."Rob is supremely qualified and I and the board have got every confidence in his ability to tell us what he wants and for us to support him.
"He is a very sound man, not one to panic. He has been in the game since it went professional. He has got the expertise and the knowledge and he will make a recommendation which he feels is right for England. "He is a very sound man, not one to panic. He has been in the game since it went professional.
Things have to change - everything is on the table and nothing is sacred RFU chairman Martyn Thomas
"He has got the expertise and the knowledge and he will make a recommendation which he feels is right for England.
"Things have to change. Everything is on the table and nothing is sacred. It's a huge challenge but one everyone in the game - at long last - is ready to tackle."Things have to change. Everything is on the table and nothing is sacred. It's a huge challenge but one everyone in the game - at long last - is ready to tackle.
"For us the process starts with the right appointment of a new head coach, followed by agreements that ease the burden on players, develop their skills and game understanding, and create the environment for both the professional clubs and the England teams to flourish on and off the pitch." "For us the process starts with the right appointment of a new head coach.
"That's followed by agreements that ease the burden on players, develop their skills and game understanding, and create the environment for both the professional clubs and the England teams to flourish on and off the pitch."
606 DEBATE: Would you back Ashton's appointment? 606 DEBATE: Would you back Ashton's appointment?
Ashton, 60, joined up with England in May, along with forwards coach John Wells and defence guru Mike Ford, to help Andy Robinson arrest England's decline since the 2003 World Cup.
But head coach Robinson, 42, was axed following England's dismal autumn Test series, during which they lost to Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand.
His 25-month spell in charge yielded 13 defeats from 22 games and saw England slip alarmingly down the International Rugby Board rankings.
Ashton was head coach of Ireland between 1997 and 1998 but a lacklustre spell of results saw him replaced by New Zealander Warren Gatland.
The Lancastrian then spent four years as a member of Sir Clive Woodward's England coaching staff before becoming the RFU national academy manager. He has also spent two periods at the helm of English Premiership side Bath.
Other names that have been linked with the England post include former England star and Harlequins boss Dean Richards and former Wasps coach Gatland.Other names that have been linked with the England post include former England star and Harlequins boss Dean Richards and former Wasps coach Gatland.
Ex-South Africa coach Nick Mallett and former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones have ruled themselves out of the running.Ex-South Africa coach Nick Mallett and former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones have ruled themselves out of the running.
England begin their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Twickenham on 3 February.England begin their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Twickenham on 3 February.