Ashton talks about it all...
Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:56
Man alone: Brian Ashton
Former coach Brian Ashton has been nothing but professional since his departure from the England setup earlier this year. We hear now though some of his thoughts about how his sacking, the 2007 World Cup final and any regrets he may have...
Despite leading a ‘weak’ England side into the World Cup Championship, Ashton rebounded from a 36-0 defeat in the Group games to reach the showpiece final - and to within a couple of inches of chalk of winning their second Williams Webb Ellis trophy.
A second place finish in the 2008 Six Nations followed but the rumours of his imminent axing began to mount. Weeks of speculation, with tales of unease in the camp only adding fuel to the stories linking Martin Johnson with a position in the England setup, Ashton was forced withstand a number if weeks of speculation regarding his future. Eventually he was on his way.
When asked how he dealt with all of the continued speculation and disappointment the former Bath boss says he simply tried his best to stay true to himself and reflects on his tough childhood as a basis determined attitude in tough times.
"They (his childhood in Lancashire) were tough times, we never had much at all," he says.
"But the values my parents taught me are something I have kept all my life. I am not a person motivated by greed or money, by jealousy or bitterness. For me, life is too short for all those things.
"It was, however, a pretty tricky time, I am the first to admit."
He continued: "I was never clear about what was likely to happen next and it seemed to drag on for a long period of time. It didn't spill into my private life, although I'd have to be honest and say I have slept better. But the worst thing was it affected the people around me. They became very anxious and stressed about what was going to happen."
"You go through all the emotions on a daily basis, and sometimes all of them every hour. It would be unusual, against the make-up of human nature if you didn't."
A highly respected man and international coach Ashton was originally expected to stay on in a coaching, but less central, role within the English coaching setup. He admits though that he really had very little idea where he stood with relation to the RFU during those tumultuous weeks.
"I wasn't sure [what was going on], to be honest. The week before the decision was made, the RFU announced a new management structure was to be put in place. It was said they hoped all the present coaching staff would buy into it. I assumed that included me."
Regarding the whole situation, and the series of events, Ashton continued: "When you get to my time of life, you have been through so many ups and downs in so many areas of life, you realise things like this are liable to jump out and hit you," he says.
"But other things always emerge and these things tend to fade away. But I'd have to say, there are a few people in my life I wouldn't bother crossing the road to talk to."
Turning his attention briefly then to the memorable World Cup final, albeit one that ended in defeat for Ashton and his team, the 62 year-old says he actually believed his side had the edge over the Springboks leading into the match.
"Mentally, we should have had the edge going into that match,
"It was a bizarre situation because South Africa must have thought they had buried us with that 36-0 group stage win. Then suddenly, we were lining up against them in the final.
"I don't know how much general, real deep-seated belief there was among the players that we could win that final. I had the belief but I don't know whether they did. Unfortunately, around the time we had that try disallowed, I felt we tried to play catch-up rugby and lost mental clarity."
Despite its disappointing end Ashton still fondly recalls his time at the head of the English game. He admits though that he will regret not having the chance to develop the team, and some of the young talents, further.
"It was a fabulous honour to be asked to be England coach,
"It was an excitement of fire-fighting my way through 15 months and we came out with a pretty good record.
"But ultimately, I am frustrated that having got to the point where a lot of new-generation players whom I knew well from my time running the Academy were beginning to appear, I will not have the opportunity to continue working with them."
When all is said and done the Ashton/RFU/Johnson saga is just the latest in the series of disappointing exchanges in English rugby and one which Ashton admits will leave its mark on him.
Rather than dwell on the past though the resolute former scrumhalf says he will continue to push the envelope and work hard for the things he believes in.
"I don't think you can say all that has just run off you exactly,
"But you have got to back yourself to work hard and make the highs you have known in your life come back.
"Having the courage to fail is one of the greatest ways to learn in life and progress. Too many just play safe and stay in the comfort zone. I'm not prepared to do that."
Original quotes from International Rugby News
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
