Split over Woodward departure

Friday September 03 2004

Mixed reaction - anger and goodwill

After 36 hours of confusion and mass speculation, Twickenham bosses have finally announced that Sir Clive Woodward is no longer the England coach. The reasons for his decision is, as yet, unknown, but our readers were split - some couldn't wait to see the back of Woodward, while others wished him well for the future.

GOOD RIDDANCE:

"Sad loss but good riddance based on this pathetic performance. Fans and players dumped. What a good example of going out with absolutely no style whatsoever!"
- John Brooke, UK

"It seems there is no limit to arrogance of Sir Clive then. I do wonder, though, if the football-mad public of England will be as accepting of Mr Woodward when he makes comments such as 'we are still the better team' after a 4 nil thumping at the hands of the Germans, for example (as he has after successive rugby losses to both the All Blacks and Wallabies earlier this year). Where to next Sir Clive? Sounds like Tony Blair better watch his back."
- Charlie, Wellington, NZ

"I think England needed a new lease of life. Sir Clive had hung around a little too long and should have said goodbye after the World Cup win last year. That's why in my view, Rod Macqueen was the greatest coach ever because he achieved all he had to achieve in the game, a World Cup win, the return of the Bledisloe, and a series victory against the Lions, and then he said goodbye. Nothing else to prove!

"Woodward has only led England to a World Cup, and a series of Six Nations victories. But his record was marred by his off-field and on-field dramas. The comments he made after matches, and the embarrassing losses to Australia and New Zealand. He stuck around too long, and England paid the price."
- Brian Kolia, Sydney, Australia

"I am not a fan of Clive Woodward but I am sad to see him go purely for the fact I wanted to see him fail in france 2007,he will go down as one of the least humble coaches of all time. I've never known a rugby coach to secure victory and then publicly rub it in everyone's faces like a one eyed fan."
- Dave, Queensland, Australia

"I'm really surprised Woodward is not running for Prime Minister. His ego is even bigger than his mouth. What's that old adage about rats and sinking ships? Poor old Eddie Jones, he's out there on his own now with no one to sound off at and no one to answer back."
- John, California, USA

"Good riddance! Lets face it the guy has never had a real feel for the game. He nearly ruined London Irish with his stupid theory that the game doesn't need second rows. He then moved on to England and met Johnson-surprise, surprise he then changed to make second rows the basis of his team!

"A great organiser. He can be my baggage man any time. But a rugby coach never. Win by cheating, win by thuggery, he's your man. But win by scoring tries. Clives not in the hunt. Lets face it, if the man has any principles what so ever he will resign from being coach to the British & Irish Lions. Again good riddance!!!!!
- Des Egan, Australia

"Sad loss, but I think he has shown his true colours. Let's welcome Andy Robinson and lets hope he gets all the support he deserves."
- Tony, UK

BEST OF LUCK CLIVE:

"His resignation is a huge loss not only for English Rugby, but also for the world game. He has put England, and the Northern Hemisphere on the map and created a balance that was needed is world rugby. I wish him the best of fortune whatever he does. Well done Clive !"
- Reef Hudson, Pretoria, South Africa

"Clive is nobody's fool! He assessed the situation and correctly realized that the future was not at all rosy for England. One could say that England were now in a rebuilding phase, without the warriors that took them to the World Cup.  Wilko is good, damn good, but he can't win a game on his own. Plus, SCW will get a very handsome contract with whatever Football club he signs on to.  A contract way better than anything he's had in the past. The end of an era, but the beginning of a new one."
- Derek Smith, UK

"In my opinion if Clive wants to go we should let him - We should thank him for the good work he has done and the platform he has left. If he is truly a great manager he will have built a team and platform that can be carried forward without him.

"He has made mistakes during his reign as would anyone and I do not think people should fear him leaving. As I said he was and is a great manager and we owe him a lot for helping us get the trophy safely inside a cabinet at HQ. After 7 years I would say he may now be at a point where he has lost his drive for doing this job and a new face may well be what we need.

"I hope the staff such he has put in place remain and we get a new inspirational head coach - Maybe a tall, somewhat intimidating man that once played under the guidance of the retiring Woody. Yes that's right Arise Sir Johnson your country calls on you once more."
- Nikhil Patel, UK