John Mitchell: Returning to SA
Sale Sharks coach John Mitchell has resigned from his position at the Premiership club after Friday's 33-27 win over Worcester.
Mitchell, who coached the All Blacks from 2002 to 2003, left his position as head coach of South African outfit the Golden Lions in November, after being cleared of misconduct charges by the Johannesburg-based side.
He then took over the reins at struggling Sale but will now return to South Africa prematurely according to Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy.
"John was brought in on a consultancy basis with a view to the possibility of being employed in a longer term position within Sale Sharks," Kennedy said in a press statement.
"He has had to return to South Africa for personal reasons which we respect.
"We are grateful for his valuable and insightful contributions albeit for a shorter term than envisaged.
"Steve Diamond, Bryan Redpath and Pete Anglesea will continue to coach the side, implementing many of John's ideas, and building on last nights excellent performance."
The Sharks' win over Worcester moved them to within one point of London Irish on the Premiership table.
Mitchell, who had a spell as player/coach with Sale during the late 1990s, had previously been helping the club on a part-time consultancy basis.
Comments
craigster99 says...
Manager of the month...
...is not an award at Sale Sharks - it is a job title.
Posted 16:06 03rd January 2013
kybone says...
I always felt that Mitchell coming in gave Sale one 'head coach' too many anyway. They don't need him. Im not even sure how good a coach/manager he is anyway. I mean he doesn't appear to have had any real impact at Sale, he didn't seem to be doing a great job at the Lions, NZ were better after he left, and even 10 years ago England were better after he left.
Posted 11:00 30th December 2012
TVaddict says...
This guy is a joke.
Posted 23:58 29th December 2012
melkdave says...
Well a surprise ,and im sure Sale fans are thinking WTF is going on.Sale for all their record so far this season arnt a bad side ,yes they are lacking confidance ect ,but given the rollacoaster off feild atm ,its maybe understandable .The problem was with rugby sites like PR actually overhyping expectations for Sale this season,they where never goingto finish top 4,but decent mid table ,when the bad start happened ,then confidance just avapourated fast.It will get better for them ,mark my words.
Posted 23:41 29th December 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Tiggerlavros: and imagine what he'd turn Gray into! Like Meads influence on Johno. Defining. MJ could turn him into a Lions captain... Not too late and a sure starting 15 player unlike BOD. Come on MJ. I know youre reading. We miss you! And you owe the game!
Posted 23:25 29th December 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Mitchell's memoirs would have to be a "short stories" book
Posted 23:19 29th December 2012
jonesrp says...
Jay Starr , I can`t wait for Mitchell`s book either...but isn`t there a good chance it will stop halfway through as he walks out on himself ??
Posted 21:08 29th December 2012
Isograford says...
Things never end cleanly where Mitchell is involved.
Posted 19:01 29th December 2012
TiggerLavros says...
AG - that's a great shout - I'd love to see Johnno at Sale. Be a great way to re-build his coaching reputation and I'm sure he'd sort our dismal set piece out (if he can get Julian White to come out of retirement and play tight head for us we'd be laughing).
Would also like to see Andy Robinson come in and coach the forwards, if he fancies jumping into the maelstrom (which he probably doesn't)....
Posted 18:01 29th December 2012
NHsaints says...
that's surprising...and also really bad news for sale
Posted 17:13 29th December 2012
TiggerLavros says...
Despite the shambolic overtones, as a Sale fan, I believe this is good news. After a dreadful start Sale had begun to improve following Steve Diamond's return to the training paddock. I was a fan of Mitch as a player and during his initial spell in the 90's but his methods (my way or the highway) were threatening morale and until last night, Sale's performances had actually begun to deteriorate under his stewardship - the decision to scapegoat Cipriani and drop him for the Wasps game being a case in point - Sale missed 11 kick able points during that match and their general kicking game was abysmal. Cips kicked 7/7 last night and oozed class.
Let's hope we can have a bit of continuity now and concentrate on our highly talented (and paid) squad getting us away from the foot of the table. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for Dave Seymour too, an absolute lion for us this season.
Posted 16:57 29th December 2012
madraglas says...
WTF? I would love to be a fly on the wall in some of the meetings his guy has sat in!
Posted 16:36 29th December 2012
Maxgzy says...
Wtf?!?!?!
Posted 15:01 29th December 2012
daibok says...
Now there's a shock.
Posted 14:43 29th December 2012
JayStarr says...
I can't wait for this guy's autobiography to come out...
Posted 14:41 29th December 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
When does this comedy series end? Who's next? I vote for Martin Johnson to bring some credibility back.
Posted 14:22 29th December 2012