Ford fears for his England future

Mike Ford

RUGBY: FORMER Oldham RL player-coach Mike Ford is resigned to losing his position in the England

set-up after Martin Johnson stood down as team manager in the wake of a disappointing World Cup campaign.

But Johnson has urged the Rugby Football Union not to jettison the experience of his coaching team of Ford (defence), John Wells (forwards), Brian Smith (attack) and Graham Rowntree (scrum).

Ford, who has coached at three world cups and helped England reach the final in 2007, expects the new national coach to bring in his own management team.

“I think there is an air of inevitability,” he said. “We are grown men and we understand that being a coach you are there in the firing line. Your results are there for everyone to see.

“The new guy who comes in has obviously got to pick his own coaching team. We will see what Rob Andrew has to say to us over the next few days.”

Smith is understood to have been sounding out coaching opportunities in Australia while Rowntree, like Ford, is thought to be keen to remain involved with England.

Johnson gave his coaches a ringing endorsement and urged the RFU not to waste their valuable experience.

“There is a huge amount of knowledge and experience about what this game is about at this level, the very highest international level, the World Cup,” Johnson said. “From my point of view, it would be a waste for that to be lost to the union.”

Ford, who son George was recently named IRB young player of the year, was saddened to hear of Johnson’s departure and believes the experience he had gained over the last three-and-a- half years left him well placed to move England forward.