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LONDON - England director of elite rugby Rob Andrew said today he expects to recommend a replacement for sacked coach Andy Robinson early next week.
"My thinking is pretty clear, I am expecting to be able to make a recommendation to the management board next Wednesday," the former England first five-eighths told reporters at Twickenham.
"We are working on a solution which will hopefully be seen as a full time solution."
Robinson was forced out after losing three of the four November internationals, taking his tally to 13 defeats in 22 games in charge of the world champions.
Among those listed as possible replacements are former Springbok coach Nick Mallett, Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards and former Ireland and Wasps coach Warren Gatland.
Current attack coach, Brian Ashton, is the bookmakers' favourite and his appointment now seems increasingly likely.
Andrew, who had previously said he was prepared to take on an overseas coach, gave no further clues.
"We have had conversations with people. I am not ruling anyone in or anyone out," he said.
One man who can safely be discounted is World Cup coach Clive Woodward, who launched a withering attack on Andrew and Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Barron last weekend.
Andrew said he was unconcerned by Woodward's comments.
"I am here to do a job. Whatever people think, and it is a free world, they can say what they want to say. I appreciate that everyone has an opinion in the game," he said.
Baron also refused to be drawn.
"I had five great years working in partnership with Clive and I have great memories of that," he said.
"I am not going to say anything that could be seen as tit for tat. Our working relationship was outstanding. Clive produced great results on the field, and I produced great results off it.
"I was disappointed to read what he said, but I have a high regard for him."
England's next match is against Scotland in the Six Nations championship at Twickenham on February 3.
- REUTERS
