Sports Then and Now

Chris Ashton is supportive of England Rugby Coach Martin Johnson.

Winger Chris Ashton has become the latest player to back England coach Martin Johnson, insisting he is the right man for the job.

Those following England World Cup News will note how the side crashed out of the World Cup at the quarter final stage last month, prompting speculation that Johnson’s contract would not be renewed.

His current deal is due to expire at the end of December, and the RFU are yet to make an announcement as to whether they will offer him an extension.

But Northampton ace, Ashton believes there should be no question over Johnson’s role in the national team.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Five Live, Ashton said: “He is the perfect man for the job.

“He’s very inspirational, which those who played with him, around him and played under him, would say.”

Ashton, famous for his controversial swallow dive try celebration, is not the first player to make a public show of support for Johnson.

Fellow winger Mark Cueto was joined by flanker Tom Croft and full-back Ben Foden is backing their coach.

Should Johnson not be the England head coach by the start of 2012, there will be plenty of suitors for the role.

Ashton’s club coach, Jim Mallinder would almost certainly be one of the favourites for the role if it became available, and has already expressed his interest.

And while Ashton does not wish to speculate while Johnson is in charge, he does admit that Mallinder would be the sort of man suited to the job.

He added: “Jim is quite a straightforward coach and a great bloke and will do well there, but Johnno’s still in that position.”

It is unknown as yet whether Johnson would be interested in his renewing his deal, with former England captain Will Carling hinting last month that his World Cup winning team mate could turn down an offer.