There has been heated debate in the media and on various rugby forums ( not sure on this one i've only just joined) about the future of the England management. Some have called simply for a change in the coaching personnel others have gone further and questioned whether Martin Johnson has the credentials to lead England to victory in the 2011 RWC. This barrage and onslaught has come both from former and existing players, though the latter tend not to be so bold as to come out right and clearly state their indications and their preferred choice..and why would they wish to jeopardise their career..perish the thought.

Let us go back in time, and recall two and a half events...

The first is that during the 2007 RWC, Martin Johnson was a television pundit, though I wonder if in hindsight he now regrets agreeing to be interviewed by the intellectual Jim Rosenthal. Who continually asked him where was England going wrong..and would he take up the post as England manager and steer us to glory..to which as I recall Johnson responded he was not interested. Besides which Ashton was in the driving seat., that he remained running his business venture.

Secondly, after Ashton was unceremoniously and extremely harshly dumped and ousted as England head coach, there was an unprecedented clamour, from all quarters of the rugby fraternity for Martin Johnson to be installed as the head honcho of English rugby, despite his lack of previous experience. There was a consensus and probably misguided belief that the triumphant leader of that glorious night in Aus , would save us from the redemptions of rugby misery and eternal damnation and end the spiral of oblivion that would lead to England been a 2nd tier rugby nation...okay slight exaggeration. 

Logic for me would have dictated that a manager of the calibre of Dean Richards be installed, although he was happily ensconced elsewhere, though no doubt the right financial lubrication could have appeased all parties and maybe the future fiasco would never have materialised. So after much persuasion , or at least that was my interpretation, a reluctant Johnson took the helm.

Fast forward and those same people who vociferously and passionately called for his instalment are now baying for his head...oh they are fickle.

Whilst, I was of the inclination that Dean Richards should have been offered the job, that is immaterial now..and as things stand I do not believe that Martin Johnson should be removed from the job, with next years RWC looming on the horizon..it would only make matters worse.

I therefore put forward this proposal and it is partly connected by Will's piece on Dean Richards, which gives me further pause for thought..incidentally I original posted this on another forum.

To reiterate I don't think the solution would not be to sack Johnson ,that in my view would be wrong, but to bring someone in along side him who has more tactical experience...and get Johnson more involved with coaching the players.( though I would not be averse to replacing some of the coaching staff).

The RFU could approach the IRB, to ascertain whether it would be feasible for Martin Johnson to be advised in an unpaid capacity by someone with a proven track record in rugby and whose undeniable knowledge of the game would be invaluable to tap into.

It does not take to much of the stretch of the imagination to come to the conclusion that Dean Richards would be a worthy candidate to assist Johnson in his plight.Neither would it be in the realms of impossibility or improbability. IF he can be approached by a club to do consultancy work, then it should not be inconceivable for the RFU to consider it. If they had any sense they would give it some serious thought ..and as I stated it would be unpaid so that no laws or rules are broken.

 As Will mentioned in his article, I also firmly believe the ban was disproportionate to what happened and a completely over the top reaction to what took place....if you look at other sports then far more grievous deeds are committed yet frequently swept under the carpet as if they never existed.

Incidentally I will now turn to Brian Moore of the Telegraph for further guidance and assistance on one issue :

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ru... 

You will have to read it, but basically it is the authorities who have provided the way possible,through lack of communication..even if you disagree with that.

Advise can be a broad spectrum, and I am sure the RFU could find ways to circumnavigate the wording of the ban without it causing offence to people ..perhaps in return for his help the RFU could get him to do unpaid work fro grassroots rugby..kind of like rehabilitation.

At the end of the day English rugby is in a rut and a malaise and we need someone to provide the medicine to enable England to recover.

A painful solution for some at first, but most cures are to begin with.

However I felt for this to succeed then anonymity should be the order of the day, it can be done behind close doors...and he does not need to be their all the time...he can put together a series of strategies or plans, team preparations etc.. all Martin Johnson would have to do is follow them...and I stress on match day it is not necessary for him to be present...well except maybe via radio link, if he followed the game on television.

I have as mentioned given further thought to the England conundrum and I have concluded I would like you all to

 1) disregard everything you have read above.

 2) Then disregard point 1 

 3) Then disregard point 2 and you will have the answer 

The Solution, I call upon the RFU to send for Cleveland Hinckley .