Johnson's failed experiment ends on his own terms

JOHNNY WATTERSONon how the former World Cup-winning captain's term as England head coach unravelled at the World Cup

MANY WILL see it as an inevitable conclusion to a failed World Cup. As Martin Johnson moved yesterday to announce his resignation as England manager, history may conclude that his 3½ years in charge was English rugby’s failed experiment. Johnson decided to walk away from his post, six weeks before his contract either expired or was renewed.

“I’ve given this a huge amount of thought since we returned from the World Cup and didn’t come to this decision lightly,” he said. “I think it’s in the best interests of myself and the England team that I don’t continue on into next year. I think it’s the right decision at this time.”

The 2003 World Cup-winning captain may have steered his team to their first Six Nations championship in eight years last season but after a World Cup punctuated with controversy, and one that highlighted team frailties as much as strengths, Johnson’s glowering old school style had recently run out of gas.

There was largely silence yesterday, where often on these occasions, especially for an iconic player, there are divided views. The words from Rob ‘Teflon’ Andrew, the RFU elite rugby director, who has now seen off three England coaches and confirmed he will not resign, were formal and modest. They were also insistent.

“I would like to place on record my personal thanks of the work Johnno has put into England in the last three years,” said Andrew. “It’s important at this point in time that we respect Martin’s decision.”

Johnson had made clear in October, after the 19-12 loss to France ended England’s World Cup campaign, that he was considering his position. But others had already openly questioned his future and ability.

“Martin has now been in charge 3½ years and it is very difficult to understand what style of play this England rugby team is all about,” observed former RFU vice-chairman and England prop Fran Cotton.

The players’ trip to Queenstown’s Altitude bar, where a drinking session turned what would have been a disciplinary skirmish into a scandal, was followed by Courtney Lawes’ ban for kneeing Argentina’s Mario Ledesma.

There followed illegal gumshields and fines to players, dwarf throwing, as well as two England coaches banned from the touchline for switching balls used for kicks by Jonny Wilkinson against Romania. Seedy England lurched back from the World Cup to London with far less dignity than they had when leaving.

Then Mike Tindall found out that being married to the Queen of England’s grand daughter Zara was no distraction to the fury of the RFU, which is itself in chaos with acting chief executive Martyn Thomas set to leave next month. Unceremoniously fined and banished from the elite England squad, Tindall’s treatment was a sign of the mood within the corridors of Twickenham. Johnson seemed canny enough to have read that.

Doubtlessly, he would have forgiven himself had he delivered on the pitch, where a World Cup final was England’s too-high ambition. It was the French game that provided a cameo of his weakness, opting to play outhalf Toby Flood at inside centre against France after he had dropped Tindall.

Desperate to include Flood but not wanting to do without the comfort blanket of Wilkinson, despite indifferent form, he gambled on the experimental midfield and paid a heavy price.

“We have developed some exciting young players in the last 18 months or so and I believe English rugby has a bright future,” said Johnson yesterday.

“Whilst we’ve had our most successful season with 10 wins from 13 we are disappointed with how we ended it with the World Cup.”

From the outside it seemed as if the managerial skills the RFU assumed Johnson possessed – after they sacked Brian Ashton in 2008 – struggled to find expression. Johnson’s record of 21 wins, 16 defeats and one draw is acceptable from a coach with zero prior experience. But more exacting critics have not been impressed.

Ireland’s most recent input to those statistics was when Declan Kidney denied Johnson the Grand Slam this year by winning in Dublin in the final match of the Six Nations.

Fittingly perhaps, his durable brand image was set in Ireland as far back as 2003. In England they believed he famously set the tone for their last Grand Slam triumph when, as captain, he refused to concede his team’s position on the Lansdowne Road red carpet for the pre-match formalities with former Irish president Mary McAleese.

Some years later hooker Steve Thompson’s view was of a man who players feared as much as respected.

“None of us are going to move, and if anyone does move, I’ll kill them,” said Thompson recalling Johnson’s words. “If he said ‘Jump’, I’d say ‘how high? I still do. I was more scared of him than of them (Irish team), so I stayed put. We all did.”

To Ireland, Johnson’s attitude epitomised the arrogance of Clive Woodward’s team of that era and cemented his standing as an uncompromising and obstinate leader, an individual easily disliked because he appeared not to mind and was comfortable with confrontation.

“Someone said afterwards it was Ireland’s lucky side, but I’m not fussed with those things,” was his view of the red carpet incident.

The RFU declined to talk about a replacement yesterday, saying it would be inappropriate. Throughout Johnson remained furrow-browed and, well, unfussed.

“I’ve been able to do this job on my terms,” he said departing, leaving an impression that his terms have always been what have guided him, what made him a revered player and to the end were never, ever negotiable.

SUCCESSION RACE: Six possible contenders to replace Johnson

JIM MALLINDER

The bookmakers' favourite. If the RFU want an Englishman look no further. Respected at Sale and now Northampton, he took the Saints to last season's Heineken Cup final as well as developing players such Ben Foden and Courtney Lawes

DEAN RYAN

Now an analyst on Sky Sports, Ryan left Gloucester in 2009 after failing to deliver. But he is known as a disciplinarian his appointment might be welcomed by those who believe that area is a currently an issue with the national team.

GRAHAM HENRY

World Cup winner with New Zealand last month, he has nothing to prove. But the challenge of leading England out of the doldrums may prove hard for the 65-year-old. Has already expressed interest in a development role at the RFU.

JAKE WHITE

Always linked to England when a vacancy comes up, South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning coach has recently taken over Super 15 team ACT Brumbies. Probably bad timing now but seeks a return to international rugby.

NICK MALLETT

Expressed an interest in succeeding Johnson last week but yesterday rowed back on that. The 55-year-old South African would be a popular choice. Led the Springboks to 17 successive Test victories from 1997-98 and impressed during his four years with Italy.

CONOR O'SHEA

Perhaps hasn't the coaching experience the RFU are looking for. He gave the England team a talk before their first Croke Park match as an employee of the English Institute of Sport. Has been director of rugby with Harlequins since 2009.