Woodward to be.....

[Leonidas]

It has been reported in the papers the past few days, that Clive Woodward is on the verge of quitting his post as the English national rugby union coach to follow his ambition of leading the England football team to World Cup glory like he did the rugby boys. In fact, if I am right then he has already handed in his notice, though it has been rejected.

Now is this lunacy? He's a rugby man through and through, and has been for years. Despite the fact he is obvioulsy a winner, and an extremely determined individual, can he really transfer those skills from rugby to football so easily. They are completely different games, different rules, skills needed, training, management structres, types of players, etc etc....

Apparently Clive Woodward has become quite friendly with the Southampton chairman Ropert Lowe, leading to speculation that he is in line for the post left by Paul Sturrock. But all I will ask is your opinions on this *bizarre* occurance.

[Shave]

well, i think he could do something, even if it just meant making the england games more exciting. i heard something about him being attacking-minded which is what the england team need. anyway, he can't do much worse than any other manager since 1966. maybe it's the breath of fresh air we need?

[seaempty]

I think it will be a good transistion. He may be able to offer a more analytical and objective view, no having had direct involvement in the game. Although he has never played football professionally, that doesn't mean he knows nothing about the sport, and the talk is that he won't be involved directly in the running of the footbal team at Southampton (hence Steve Wigley being named "Head coach" and not manager). He will, however, be used in a coaching postition, getting the best from the players, spotting weaknesses etc. This can only be a good thing, as he is reknowned for his motivation techniques.

Failing that, I also hear that Saints are trying to get Kelly Holmes to be their new pacy winger.