Mike Catt believes coach Brian Ashton still has a role to play with the England side.
Former Bath star backs his old coach despite recent criticism
Retired England centre Mike Catt says coach Brian Ashton should stay on in his role with the national side, albeit as part of a new-look management structure.
Catt was critical of Ashton in the immediate aftermath of the World Cup final defeat to South Africa in Paris, but insists his views were taken out of context.
Fellow veteran Lawrence Dallaglio also gave a damning assessment of the way the preparations for the World Cup were handled and the pair's opinions have damaged the former Bath coach's prospects of keeping his job.
Soon after the final, Catt said: "To be honest, a lot of things were a good example of exactly what not to do, especially with the communication side of things.
Problem
"Selection has also been a problem with the guys never quite sure of their places, which became pretty draining."
But speaking to Radio 4's Today programme, Catt insisted his view of Ashton evolved over the course of the competition.
Reflecting on the headlines he said: "That was one article and it's not the way I wanted it to be produced.
"It is very damning but if people read the chapter (in Catt's book) to the end it is just the headlines that are damning.
"I did the World Cup on a diary basis and I thoroughly believe that is how I felt eight or nine weeks ago.
"What that doesn't bring up is that I've had 15 very good years with Brian Ashton and I have the utmost respect for him.
Right mindset
"If I wasn't writing an autobiography I wouldn't have said those things but it was important (to do so) about the first three weeks of the World Cup to put people in the right mindset to consider how far we've come.
"I feel completely different now about it."
Catt, at 36 the oldest man to appear in a World Cup final, went on to back Ashton to continue his work with the Rugby Football Union - albeit as part of a new-look management structure.
"I think Brian is a fantastic coach. He's one of the main reasons I am here.
"He's got a hell of a lot of knowledge on the attack side of things and if they can get the right staff and coaches around him he's one for the job. When Brian coaches he is fantastic.
"He needs people around him - or people below him - who he can trust because the young players around would do well with Brian."
