Baron: Ashton still has role to play

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Baron expects the newly-created management position to be filled by the end of next week, with Martin Johnson hot favourite for the role.

"Brian has a contract with the RFU. His contract is for the position as head coach and that is his position as we sit here today," said Baron. "We are going to strengthen the management structure and there are going to be new appointments and so the overall structure will change, aimed at improving the consistency of England's performances going forward."

If Johnson does accept the post it will leave Ashton, who guided England to second place in the World Cup and the Six Nations, in limbo and his future on the England coaching staff in doubt.

Ashton wants a team manager who can share some of the managerial and administrative burden but who will not get involved in rugby affairs.

In December, the RFU's elite rugby director Rob Andrew confirmed Ashton would play a key role in the appointment. However, the RFU's courting of Johnson suggests the ground has moved since the RBS 6 Nations Championship as England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain is likely to demand complete control.

Baron insisted Ashton will have a role in the new structure - but he also accepted one or more of the coaching team might find their positions untenable.

"The coaches have all got to be happy with the new structure. I hope they buy into it and we can move forward together," he continued.

"I can't guarantee that. There are some pretty feisty individuals on the coaching team who will express strong views, no doubt.

"Somebody might say 'I don't want to work with this bloke'. In my view, it is their call."