Mitchell: To fight for Lions role
Former All Blacks boss John Mitchell has turned down a permanent coaching position with Sale Sharks.
The 48-year-old New Zealander has been working with the struggling Aviva Premiership club as a consultant during his suspension from the Golden Lions.
However he insists he has "unfinished business" with the Lions and wants to be restored as head coach of the Johannesburg-based franchise.
Mitchell has been found not guilty of six misconduct charges and seen six more withdrawn by the Lions, but he is waiting to discover the findings of nine further charges, which are at the centre of a legal wrangle.
Once that situation is resolved, Mitchell wants to be back in charge of the Lions, whom he led to Currie Cup success in 2011.
"I want my head coach position back at the Lions," Mitchell said. "There is some unfinished business to do with the Lions.
"Furthermore, I am determined that my future will be in South Africa."
Comments
Benny says...
No way does Mitch want to stay at the Lions. Getting the boot was a god send considering they've since been relegated and lost half their players. Unless Mitch is looking for a part-time job, coaching a currie cup team, it's all talk so once he's found not guilty, he can file for constructive dismissal and get a good pay out. Off to the UK with you and good luck
Posted 19:54 06th November 2012
ZAchris says...
After the rough treatment he has got from the Lions - I find the character of this man most refreshing.
He has guts and commitment and I wish him only the best - and I hope he get the support he needs from the Lions player and the whingers just get on with it ...
Posted 16:47 06th November 2012
Uglea says...
Well done Davi for your comments not knowing what happened. Obviously been having a beer with georgesmith.
Mitchell has talent and definitely evolved players to be better players. Think you might need to take into account things like group dynamic. Read tuckmans theory for understanding storming, Norming and performing.
The man has grit and that can be shown in the forces record v crusaders and bulls (away). Both tough asks
Posted 11:19 06th November 2012
boksmashoffice says...
Respect to the man.
Posted 23:00 05th November 2012
davodiablo says...
Western Force tarred this mans name .Why ..because the aussies found his training a bit tough. And the Lions thought anything would stick and we'd all believe them.
What a turn up for the books . Now what happens to King Carlos ?
Posted 17:59 05th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
Kinda reminds me of the RFU trying to tempt a top class international coach sign up to England.
Sale are just not an attractive prospect really.
Posted 16:45 05th November 2012
gazzabok says...
A team at the bottom of the S15 or a team at the bottom of the Premiership? I know where I'd stay. It's warmer down south. And the steak is better.
Posted 15:59 05th November 2012
alanatleeds says...
Brian Redpath now a relieved man.
Posted 12:30 05th November 2012
JayStarr says...
I must say this shows incredible character... The Lions could not have treated him worse after he won them the Currie Cup, yet he not only went through the hell they created for him to fight the allegations and clear his name, but he now also wants to have his job back to finish what he started - which at the end of the day is to help the people who screwed him over - and even though that team is not even playing Super Rugby next year...
That shows commitment. You don't get that sort of commitment to unions such as the Lions from coaches of his calibre... After everything that has happened to the Lions in the last few months, they would be creating their own downfall if they now don't allow a very motivated John Mitchell to come back. He is their only chance of getting back into Super Rugby.
Posted 11:16 05th November 2012
melkdave says...
yeah shows his charecter,and just how passionate and committed he is to the Lions.Personnally i think he had them on the brink ,of becomming challangers in the S15 or at least not easy meat,before having the rug pulled out from undr them by SARU.
Posted 11:06 05th November 2012
APV1 says...
Sale are digging a bigger hole than most. One victory does not make them contenders yet and all of this nonsense "back of house" cannot be helping.
Posted 10:39 05th November 2012
flatline says...
seems Sale may have been a bit premature sacking redpath. credit to mitchell for wanting to continue with the lions - makes you wonder where all the complaints have come from?
Posted 10:29 05th November 2012
passtheball says...
Good stuff - at least one person is keen to see a future in SA. Will be interesting to see if he gets his job back and will Carlos join him?
Posted 10:01 05th November 2012
Realbull says...
Good on you John for wanting to stay at the lions, shows great character!
Posted 09:50 05th November 2012