SIR CLIVE WOODWARD'S audacious bid to join the ranks of professional football has hit a major stumbling block. In an extraordinary twist to a remarkable tale, the Rugby Football Union last night denied England's head coach had submitted his resignation and that further negotiations between the RFU hierarchy and the disaffected Woodward would continue this morning.
On a day of high drama and bizarre incident, Woodward appeared to have called the RFU's bluff. After confirming to the world's media at lunchtime that he would be handing in his notice, Woodward subsequently withdrew his offer of resignation.
One must assume he is unhappy with the terms of his departure. As Woodward left the Twickenham headquarters last night, he insisted: ''I am still England coach, I am still in charge.''
Nine months after masterminding England's triumph in the Rugby World Cup, Woodward had patently hoped to sever all links with the sport he has grown weary of. When he turned up for showdown talks with his employers yesterday, he had every intention of resigning.
A press conference had been called for 11am this morning at which he promised to explain the reasons behind his decision to quit. The only matter for debate was his period of notice and severance pay.
Instead, that decision is now on hold and last night, Woodward's lawyer was still trying to thrash out an agreement with the RFU which will make the parting more palatable to both parties.
As RFU executives grappled with this latest crisis - 24 hours after the England captain Lawrence Dallaglio announced his retirement from the international game - Southampton confirmed they are keen to employ Woodward in some capacity or other. A decision will be made at a board meeting at St Mary's today.
Woodward left the first of two meetings at Twickenham insisting: ''I will be handing in my resignation today.'' When asked whether the RFU had made any attempts to talk him out of it, the 48-year-old categorically stated that they had not. At that moment, it seemed logical to assume Woodward would have no further role to play in rebuilding the England team ahead of the World Cup defence in France 2007.
Clearly there has been a massive breakdown in the relationship between England's most successful coach and his employers. With Tests scheduled against Canada, South Africa and Australia this autumn, it was widely anticipated Woodward would delay his farewells until Christmas.
Clearly the RFU have other ideas. Instead of launching a search party for an immediate successor, they apparently intend to hang on to their present coach for as long as humanely possible.
As for Woodward, it is highly unlikely he will allow himself to be dissuaded from pursuing a new career.
While the Football Association did their best yesterday to distance themselves from suggestions that Woodward is being fast-tracked into Soho Square, there is no doubt Britain's Coach of the Year believes he can make the transition from oval to circular ball. And at the highest level.
Woodward intends to cut his teeth in the Premiership and Southampton appears only too willing to offer him a job.
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