And there's another twist...Sir Woody hasn't resigned yet apparently. From the esteemed UK broadsheet the Sun.
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Woody war
By TONY ROCHE
ENGLISH rugby
was a laughing stock last night as Sir Clive Woodward’s planned resignation stumbled over money.
World Cup-winner Woody went to Twickenham to
invoke the one-year get-out clause in his four-year £1million contract.
But after an 8½-hour meeting with RFU chief executive Francis Baron, Woodward stormed out claiming: “As far as I am concerned I am still England head coach. I
have not handed in my resignation.”
A source close to this increasingly
embarrassing shambles revealed: “It’s about money.
“Clive wants to see out his 12-month notice in office but the RFU said if he actually tendered his resignation, they would prefer he did so with immediate effect.
“But
they have no intention of paying the £250,000 Clive believes he is entitled to according to his contract.”
Woodward had marched into rugby HQ yesterday morning insisting: “I have come here to
resign.”
When he left, the RFU issued a statement saying: “The RFU can confirm discussions between chairman of the RFU management board Graeme Cattermole, chief executive Francis Baron, Sir Clive Woodward and his legal representative will now
reconvene on Thursday.
“Sir Clive has
not formally tendered his written resignation and therefore, contrary to some media reports, we have not refused to accept it. Clive’s position will be discussed further on Thursday.”
Nigel Melville, Andy Robinson and Newcastle chief Rob Andrew are the early favourites to replace Woodward.
Gloucester coach Melville said: “The job is not something I have ever thought about. I am not out of contract — so that probably
rules me out.”
Robinson, Woody’s England No 2, said: “If I was asked to follow him I would try and do it my way.”
Woodward’s determination to end his seven-year reign
seemed clear as he allowed media speculation this week to mount over his future.
He privately made it known his real reason for wanting out was
the on-going battle with England’s top 12 Premiership clubs over access to his elite 40-player squad.
To add a touch of
farce, Southampton FC — where Woody’s pal Rupert Lowe is chairman — say they are
on the verge of offering Woody a role at the club even though he has never kicked a ball in serious competition.
Source:
www.thesun.co.uk
Original article found
HERE
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