England coach Johnson wants to extend contract
Source: Agencies |
March 24, 2011, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MARTIN Johnson gave his clearest indication yet that he would like to remain as England coach beyond the end of his current contract, saying on Tuesday he is happy in a job he describes as "very addictive."
His deal with the national team runs out at the end of December, two months after the World Cup in New Zealand finishes.
Johnson stopped short of stating his desire to stay on but, after guiding a young England side to the Six Nations title on Saturday, his resolve to remain in charge up to the 2015 World Cup in England looks to have been strengthened.
"I think last year was a transitional year and as we progressed through the Six Nations to what we've done now, when you have a young squad, it's very exciting. We are making relatively big steps in terms of progress," said England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain.
"It's a very addictive job, even with the stress and disappointment (of missing out on the Grand Slam in the Six Nations). When you get that time together and that continuity, and then that success, it's a good environment to be around. I'm enjoying it at the moment."
Johnson was hired as England coach in 2008, replacing Brian Ashton despite having no coaching experience to fall back on.
After a couple of mediocre years, Johnson's stock has risen over the past 12 months after a strong finish to last year's Six Nations, following victories over Australia last summer and again in the November internationals and then a first northern hemisphere title since 2003.
The English missed out on the grand slam by losing 8-24 to Ireland in Dublin at the weekend.
His deal with the national team runs out at the end of December, two months after the World Cup in New Zealand finishes.
Johnson stopped short of stating his desire to stay on but, after guiding a young England side to the Six Nations title on Saturday, his resolve to remain in charge up to the 2015 World Cup in England looks to have been strengthened.
"I think last year was a transitional year and as we progressed through the Six Nations to what we've done now, when you have a young squad, it's very exciting. We are making relatively big steps in terms of progress," said England's 2003 World Cup-winning captain.
"It's a very addictive job, even with the stress and disappointment (of missing out on the Grand Slam in the Six Nations). When you get that time together and that continuity, and then that success, it's a good environment to be around. I'm enjoying it at the moment."
Johnson was hired as England coach in 2008, replacing Brian Ashton despite having no coaching experience to fall back on.
After a couple of mediocre years, Johnson's stock has risen over the past 12 months after a strong finish to last year's Six Nations, following victories over Australia last summer and again in the November internationals and then a first northern hemisphere title since 2003.
The English missed out on the grand slam by losing 8-24 to Ireland in Dublin at the weekend.
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