Johnson: backed by Greenwood

You're asking me would I back Johnson? Having worked with him, understanding him as a person, as a family guy, knowing his all-round contribution to rugby, I would have no hesitation in saying he would be a magnificent leader of men.

Will Greenwood
Quotes of the week

Will Greenwood insists Martin Johnson would be a "magnificent" man to bring into the England coaching set-up, despite his lack of experience.

Johnson, who captained England to World Cup glory in 2003, has been tipped for a managerial role with the RFU amid speculation about the future of national team coach Brian Ashton.

Head of performance Rob Andrew delivered his post Six Nations report at Twickenham earlier this week and while it is thought he may have recommended a role for Johnson, nothing has been confirmed.

Rugby Club pundit Greenwood played with Johnson for many years and says he has all the tools needed to be an excellent manager for the England team, despite his lack of coaching experience.

He said: "I don't buy into the inexperience bit with Martin Johnson.

"We have worked with him, we have seen him and it is not just his incredible knowledge of rugby - and I am not just talking about lineouts and scrums, I am talking about him coming to the backs and saying, 'why are you running that move? Why isn't he running the decoy line?'

"His understanding of the game of rugby union, to me, is second to no one, in terms of both forward play and back play.

"He would cut the nonsense, he would be strong over selections, he has tremendous judgement, he is an inspirational character, he has got real integrity and he's a real humble guy. He has all these things that you associate with a top leader.

"He would be that top leader. If it took a little bit of time to learn on the job, I think you would work with that."

Control

It has been reported that Johnson has been offered a role working between Ashton and the RFU, but it is thought the current England coach would not want to relinquish control over team affairs.

Ashton has previously stated he would welcome the appointment of a manager to deal with media and logistical issues, but wants to retain control over selection and tactics.

But Greenwood feels the two men would be able to work together and Ashton should welcome Johnson into the England set-up.

He continued: "Brian would have to swallow some of the words he said last week, because he said I won't work with anyone involved with rugby.

"If I were Brian Ashton and Martin Johnson were offered the top job, I would say, 'I would love to work with you Jonno, I know what you bring - a total respect from everybody'.

"When the strike was going on it wasn't a pretty sight for us to walk out on our country. But he led it in such a way that we never felt that we were letting anyone down. We were doing it for the right reasons.

"When it was time to go back he explained the reasons properly. So that was the political side of it and he has shown he is very good at that.

"On the playing on the side, he knew how to say the right things at the same time.

"You're asking me would I back Johnson? Having worked with him, understanding him as a person, as a family guy, knowing his all-round contribution to rugby, I would have no hesitation in saying he would be a magnificent leader of men."

Dignity

In the meantime, Greenwood applauded Ashton for maintaining his dignity amid the speculation over his future and he criticised the RFU for allowing the rumours to grow.

"Ashton has kept quiet and let all this go on," Greenwood said.

"I think he has done exactly the right thing. He senses that something is going on above him and they are looking for not the sort of manager he wants.

"I think he would like a manager to help him perhaps on the PR / media side and a knowledge of rugby but not to become involved with the selection and the real hard bits.

"Again this is the problem, and the players have this problem, this lack of clarity.

"It is down to us to speculate: who is he going for? Martin Johnson doesn't go for a meeting at the RFU unless he is being offered something and that just adds to the speculation."