Johnson And Tigers Discuss Management Role

Leicester Tigers, England and Lions legend Martin Johnson has spoken with the club regarding a future management role, club president Roy Jackson has revealed.  The exact nature of the role is open to question, though if as planned Pat Howard returns to Australia at the end of the season, it would pave the way for Johnson to move into the top job.

Jackson said: "I'm certain he (Johnson) will be involved in the management of the playing side, although exactly in what guise and when remains to be seen.  I'm confident it will be just a matter of when. He is incredibly busy, with a very full diary. We are not putting the club on hold for him but we do believe he has a very important role to play."  Since his retirement from playing, Johnson has taken on a more ambassadorial role, backing Japan's bid to host the World Cup in 2011 as well as visiting China as part of a Tigers delegation organising a link-up between the club and the Chinese game.  If he does become head coach, or takes on a similar role, Johnson can count on one thing - he scares the bejeezus out of press and players alike.  That counts for a lot.