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England 'to force Robinson out' Robinson set to quit England role
(1 day later)
Andy Robinson has had his last game as England coach, according to BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme. Andy Robinson is expected to resign as England coach on Tuesday.
England have lost eight of their last nine matches and a "well-placed" source has told the programme Robinson will be asked to resign or face the sack. Robinson has been locked in talks with Rugby Football Union chief Francis Baron, chairman Martyn Thomas and elite director Rob Andrew over his future.
First choice as replacement is World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson. The Rugby Football Union will offer him the same compensation package as it would have had he been sacked.
But if Johnson is not available, former Wasps and Ireland coach Warren Gatland or ex-South Africa coach Nick Mallett will come into the frame. On Sunday, an RFU source told BBC Sport Robinson would be asked to resign or else face the sack, but he has insisted he wants to stay on.
Interview: Former England coach Dick Best
England lost for the eighth time in nine matches on Saturday when they were beaten 25-14 by South Africa.
606: DEBATE Robinson was a disaster and out of his depth LS 606: Have your say
World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson is understood to be first choice to step into the breach.
If he is not available, former Wasps and Ireland coach Warren Gatland or ex-South Africa coach Nick Mallett will come into the frame.
England have lost 13 of their 22 Tests under Robinson - including three of this month's four autumn internationals - and have slumped to seventh in the IRB world rankings.England have lost 13 of their 22 Tests under Robinson - including three of this month's four autumn internationals - and have slumped to seventh in the IRB world rankings.
606: DEBATE The forcing out of Robinson is a welcome relief Nick 606: Have your say
Robinson's team were booed off the pitch by the Twickenham crowd for the second time in three matches after their 25-14 defeat against South Africa on Saturday.Robinson's team were booed off the pitch by the Twickenham crowd for the second time in three matches after their 25-14 defeat against South Africa on Saturday.
After the match, Robinson again insisted he had no intention of walking away from the job and said he wanted to remain in charge for next year's Six Nations. Former Bath coach Robinson was assistant coach to Sir Clive Woodward and a key part of the coaching team which won the World Cup in 2003.
Robinson was assistant coach to Sir Clive Woodward and a key part of the coaching team which won the World Cup in 2003.
It is time for a change in the coach - not because of the last four games, but because of the last two years Former England captain Will CarlingIt is time for a change in the coach - not because of the last four games, but because of the last two years Former England captain Will Carling
And when Woodward resigned in September 2004, Robinson was the RFU's unanimous choice to take over.And when Woodward resigned in September 2004, Robinson was the RFU's unanimous choice to take over.
The 42-year-old, who has a contract until June 2008, has led England to two consecutive fourth place finishes in the Six Nations, and has won just one away match.The 42-year-old, who has a contract until June 2008, has led England to two consecutive fourth place finishes in the Six Nations, and has won just one away match.
The RFU conducted a review after the 2006 Six Nations, and Robinson survived despite assistant coaches Phil Larder, Dave Alred and Joe Lydon all losing their jobs.The RFU conducted a review after the 2006 Six Nations, and Robinson survived despite assistant coaches Phil Larder, Dave Alred and Joe Lydon all losing their jobs.
Brian Ashton (attack), John Wells (forwards) and Mike Ford (defence) have since been appointed under Robinson, while Rob Andrew has taken on the elite director of rugby role.Brian Ashton (attack), John Wells (forwards) and Mike Ford (defence) have since been appointed under Robinson, while Rob Andrew has taken on the elite director of rugby role.
But the changes have failed to spark a revival in England's fortunes, and former England captain Will Carling said Robinson would have to go.But the changes have failed to spark a revival in England's fortunes, and former England captain Will Carling said Robinson would have to go.
ANDY ROBINSON FACTFILE 1964: Born Taunton, 3 April1986: Joins Bath1988: Makes England debut against Australia1992: Leads Bath to league and cup double in first season as captain1997: Appointed Bath coach after resignation of Brian Ashton1997: Sir Clive Woodward installed as his assistant at Bath1998: Leads Bath to Heineken Cup glory with a 19-18 win over Brive2000: Appointed assistant England coach2000: Named as assistant coach for 2001 Lions tour to Australia2003: Helps England secure the World CupOctober 2004: Appointed England coachANDY ROBINSON FACTFILE 1964: Born Taunton, 3 April1986: Joins Bath1988: Makes England debut against Australia1992: Leads Bath to league and cup double in first season as captain1997: Appointed Bath coach after resignation of Brian Ashton1997: Sir Clive Woodward installed as his assistant at Bath1998: Leads Bath to Heineken Cup glory with a 19-18 win over Brive2000: Appointed assistant England coach2000: Named as assistant coach for 2001 Lions tour to Australia2003: Helps England secure the World CupOctober 2004: Appointed England coach
"I'm an England fan and after the four games in November, I haven't witnessed a lot of improvement," he told Sportsweek."I'm an England fan and after the four games in November, I haven't witnessed a lot of improvement," he told Sportsweek.
"I think it is time for a change in the coach - not because of the last four games, or even the last two games, but because of the last two years."I think it is time for a change in the coach - not because of the last four games, or even the last two games, but because of the last two years.
"If you look at England over the last two years, we don't seem to have any combinations that are working and Andy Robinson has to take responsibility for that.""If you look at England over the last two years, we don't seem to have any combinations that are working and Andy Robinson has to take responsibility for that."
But Carling said there needed to be much greater clarity in terms of the specific job description of anyone brought in to replace Robinson.But Carling said there needed to be much greater clarity in terms of the specific job description of anyone brought in to replace Robinson.
"I don't believe we need another coach - we need a manager," said Carling."I don't believe we need another coach - we need a manager," said Carling.
"We need someone who can get the environment right and I think Martin Johnson would be good for that."We need someone who can get the environment right and I think Martin Johnson would be good for that.
"But whether he wants to step straight into that is another thing. He's got some superb qualities, but it depends what the remit of the job is.""But whether he wants to step straight into that is another thing. He's got some superb qualities, but it depends what the remit of the job is."
Johnson has gone on record as saying Robinson should be replaced.Johnson has gone on record as saying Robinson should be replaced.