Carling calls for team manager
Sunday, 17 October 2004 10:28Will Carling has called for the appointment of a team manager to work alongside new England head coach Andy Robinson. Robinson was unveiled as Sir Clive Woodward's successor by the Rugby Football Union on Friday but is expected to continue with his more hands-on approach on the training field.
Carling, the former England captain, believes this could leave a gap in the team's logistical planning - an area in which Woodward excelled.
He told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek: "Andy will be carrying on the job he has been being doing for the past few years and will not be filling Clive's shoes - he will only be coaching, The RFU need to find someone to liaise with clubs. Knowing Andy, talking to the clubs, media and RFU will not appeal to him - coaching is his buzz."
"So they need a management figure to look over the fine details and the logistics. That's what Andy needs alongside him. He wants to get the best possible England team onto the pitch."
Carling believes the RFU should cast their net outside the sport should they decide to appoint a team manager.
He said: "The person who is chosen doesn't need any rugby experience. The job will be about planning and they need someone who is excellent at that. Someone from outside rugby who is very good at the job would be ideal."
