Johnson could be unveiled next week

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Martin Johnson remains firm favourite for the newly-created post and RFU elite rugby director Rob Andrew was absent from Twickenham on Tuesday for an "important meeting" on the issue.

Andrew is set to present his proposal to an FU management board meeting next week, which would then have to ratify the selection. Baron said: "If Rob's meeting is successful, it will enable us to put the final pieces of the jigsaw together fairly quickly."

He added: "What we will hopefully be doing in the next week is appointing a team manager."

One criticism of Johnson's candidature is his lack of experience in coaching or management in professional rugby. England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain hung up his playing boots three years ago and has filled his time working in the media and for sponsors.

But Baron said: "I think if you are going to fulfil a coaching function, you do (need experience), but management is different.

"You can pick up things much more quickly if you are on the management side than if you have to do a technical job in terms of planning and carrying out sessions.

"We are looking at a team manager. We are not looking at a coaching position here."

If appointed, Johnson is unlikely to be in place in time for England's June tour of New Zealand because his wife, Kay, is expected their second child.

Baron does not expect any new appointment to start until July 1, which coincides with the introduction of the new elite rugby agreement between club and country.