Johnson made to wait

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.

But head coach Brian Ashton still faces an uncertain future, despite leading England to second place in the 2007 World Cup and this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Johnson, skipper during England's triumphant 2003 World Cup campaign, is a strong bet to land the lucrative managerial position, which should be worth a sizeable six-figure sum.

He has not yet been unveiled as the new man, although further discussions are now likely between Johnson and his former England team-mate, RFU elite rugby director Rob Andrew.

A decision is expected next month, but where it all leaves Ashton is anyone's guess.

And to possibly compound Ashton's situation further, talks will also continue to recruit an additional specialist coach - possibly a backs adviser such as Mike Catt or Austin Healey - which is Ashton's area of expertise.

Ashton has always wanted a managerial appointment, but one on the administrative side that would not become involved in matters such as selection and appointing coaches.

Former Bath and England captain Phil de Glanville is believed to be Ashton's preferred choice.

It is impossible to envisage Johnson playing anything other than a hands-on role, although it would appear that exact job description details have still to be thrashed out.