Why Martin Johnson will still be England Coach – he has a plan

Much has been said that the England Rugby Coach should be sacked following the World Cup in New Zealand by eminent writers http://bit.ly/vjjEz9 and ex-players http://tgr.ph/qxrjaE– however I think he should stay as he has a plan to win the next World Cup. http://bit.ly/sv3IPO

If you look back over the previous world cup winners the average age of the winning team is around 28/29. When Johnson took over he inherited an aging squad with a group of players in their mid to late 20’s lacking in quality, joint vision and commitment. Yet still a group of players
who won the world cup in 2003 committed and a group of talented 20-23 year olds.

So he clearly made a decision to exclude those not totally committed to the cause aged between 25 -30. Only four players in that age group were in the squad of 30. With far more over the age of thirty including Smith at 37. http://bit.ly/taS6vf

He has appeared to have taken the view in a similar vein to Alex Ferguson of Manchester United of always having experienced “old heads”, currently Giggs, Ferdinand etc, players in their prime, Rooney, Nani and young emerging players with speed of thought and action as well as the “right attitude” Young, Smalling etc http://bit.ly/oSfFc8

This mix is one that Sir Alex has adopted throughout his tenure – fairly successfully I think. However he has notably excluded players who cause difficulties – for example one word – Tevez! How right he was about resisting the pressure to re-sign him.

Ironically for Johnson he was let down by one of those senior players who should have provided the guidance and mentoring to the young group who will be 28/29 at the next world cup and how the New Zealanders loved it! http://bit.ly/rYmMkd

One saving grace for me was “Our Jonny” – who has apparently just found himself – but his guiding of the backs and in particular Toby Flood is how I see a “senior pro” passing on expertise, experience and what its like to have been there and done it! http://tgr.ph/uSHx0e

So back to Johnson – his short term plan clearly didn’t work and semi-finals is a must for England at all Rugby World Cups but I think he must be given the time to try to put in place his full plan although some players still don’t appear to have “got it” http://bit.ly/uMdgB1 as to what it means to be a role model at International level. I could start about John Terry but not enough cyber space for that one!

Johnson’s plan has already seen a significant improvement in age group performance and a clearer link between senior team style and approach to that of the age group teams. In addition how can you learn from experience if you remove someone who has now had the experience of winning and losing the World Cup! So like all plans they and Johnson who clearly demonstrates the enbodyment of committment, though and stature must be given time to mature and see it through to 2015.