Ashton in the dark as Jonno deal is agreed

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Johnson's appointment is expected to be rubberstamped by the RFU next week - possibly as early as Tuesday - and his contract, that will run until after the 2015 World Cup, will give him the power to hire and fire coaches.

RFU chiefs insisted that details of the deal haven't been finalised. It is clear, however, that 38-year-old Johnson will become England's new team manager having held a second series of talks yesterday with RFU elite director Rob Andrew, and that Ashton will not get his wish to appoint his own man.

Andrew has not yet formally told his Twickenham bosses or Ashton that Johnson is on board. Officially, the England coach has not even been told that the 2003 World Cup winning captain has been approached.

Martyn Thomas, the RFU management board chairman, said today: "I have not been informed of any movement in terms of Martin Johnson or the need to call an emergency meeting of the board which I would have to do."