Dean Richards is backing World Cup winning skipper Martin Johnson for the post of England manager.
Johnson set for talks on Thursday
Dean Richards is backing World Cup winning skipper Martin Johnson for the post of England manager.
Johnson will reportedly meet Rob Andrew within the next 48 hours, with Twickenham's director of elite rugby apparently ready to hand him control of the England side.
The 39-year-old former Leicester number eight would be a popular choice as speculation continues to intensify over the future of head coach Brian Ashton.
"Martin's understanding of the game is extremely high, probably second to none," said Richards, who coached and played alongside Johnson at Leicester and is currently in charge at Harlequins.
Character
"From a coaching perspective I don't know how much coaching he has done, so there would be have to be a huge question mark there.
"In terms of managing sides, managing players and coaches, there would have to be questions about whether that is his forte.
"But his general character is such that I don't think that would be too much of an issue for him.
"His qualities possibly would over-ride the fact he is short on experience."
Richards has warned England that Johnson would need to be given complete control, but recognises the impact that would have on Ashton and his assistants John Wells and Mike Ford.
"I don't know what the job description of the role will be, so it will be quite interesting to find out," he added.
"One of the things you require in that position is total control, which would then make Brian and the rest of the coaches particularly nervous."
Fate
Aston will have to wait until next week to discover his fate.
England followed up their appearance in the World Cup final with second place in this year's RBS 6 Nations, yet still the 61-year-old's future is in doubt.
Andrew met Ashton at Twickenham on Tuesday as part of the RFU's standard tournament review and will present his report to the management board on March 26.
