Ford rules himself out of League job

Monday 23rd November 2009

Above: England in action in the recent Gillette Four Nations.

Former Wigan and Castleford half back Mike Ford has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant England Rugby League Head Coach's job.

Ford - who played 10 times for Great Britain - was installed as favourite for the role by some bookmakers following speculation in the media.

But in an interview with BBC Radio Manchester, Ford said he wanted to remain in the 15-a-side code as part of the England Rugby Union coaching team.

"I'm happy where I am and want to stay with England rugby union" he told listeners.

"We've got a job to do - the ultimate goal being the 2011 World Cup." 

"I'm sure there are plenty of candidates out there," he said. "There's plenty to choose from.

"Steve McNamara springs to mind who has already been on board and seems a natural successor to Tony Smith."

Bradford coach Steve McNamara, who has been part of the international set-up since 2007, is thought by many to be the best man to succeed Tony Smith with John Kear of Wakefield and Hull KR's Justin Morgan also mentioned as possible candidates.

The timetable for the process has not been outlined publicly, but it is thought that the RFL will make an appointment well in advance of England's mid-season Test against France in 2010.

The RFL have already clarified that as well as coaching the England team, the new man will oversee England Under-20s.

Go to our VIDEO section to hear what England captain Jamie Peacock has to say about the appointment of the next England coach.