Andrew denies Ashton plot

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.

Ashton has been replaced at the top of England's senior coaching structure by 2003 World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson, the new team manager.

But Andrew insists no-one was plotting behind Ashton's back and the 61-year-old was kept fully informed throughout. Andrew said: "It has been a difficult situation but we are working very closely with Brian. I spoke to him on Friday morning and he is very keen to continue working with the RFU."

The RFU offered Ashton an alternative position as head of the national academy - a structure he helped set up in 2002 - which he is now considering.

The RFU were widely accused of duplicity in courting Johnson, having only re-appointed Ashton as head coach in December after he dug England out of a hole and helped them reach the 2007 World Cup final.

At the time, Andrew described it as the start of a "long-term project" and promised Ashton the team manager of his choice - someone who would help with the administrative burden but not interfere with rugby affairs.

The ground shifted dramatically after some inconsistent performances in the Six Nations and those close to Ashton maintain senior RFU officials demanded Andrew bring Johnson on board.

Andrew continued: "Brian made it very clear that the role of the team manager in his eyes was a number two, reporting to him as head coach.

"I spoke to six people about the role of team manager after Six Nations. I first met Martin on March 20 and it was at the second meeting where the serious discussions started around the role of team manager.

"That is when it began to differ from the view of team manager that Brian had and where the difficulties arose. I am confident I kept Brian informed through the process. I was talking to Brian that the role of team manager may not be the one that he envisaged."