Wheeler slams Woodward
April 12, 2002

Leicester Tigers' chief executive Peter Wheeler has slammed England manager Clive Woodward for his treatment of his skipper Martin Johnson.

Woodward controversially axed Johnson from his side to face Italy in Rome on Sunday after missing the previous game against Wales through suspension.

The Leicester skipper admitted he was surprised to be left on the bench, although he did make an appearance as a second half replacement.

Woodward stood by his decision after England's victory, insisting he wanted to look at the second-row combination of Johnson's Leicester team-mate Ben Kay and Bath's Danny Grewcock.

However, in his weekly column for the Leicester Mercury, Tigers chief executive Peter Wheeler has attacked the move, claiming Johnson 'deserved better' and that Woodward made his decision 'to show who was boss'.

And, with former skipper Lawrence Dallaglio also pencilled in to lead England on the summer tour to Argentina which Johnson will sit out, Wheeler hinted Woodward may be about to make a change.

"I cannot help thinking that Clive Woodward's messing about with Martin Johnson had some detrimental effect on England's performance in Italy," said the former Lions hooker.

"Martin's consistently high level of performance and commitment deserved better reward than to be dumped onto the bench to the only apparent benefit of letting everybody know who is the boss.

"It will be possible to see Ben Kay play alongside Danny Grewcock on two or three occasions on England's nonsensical summer tour to Argentina.

"The players must have been embarrassed by the shabby treatment of the man who has lead them into their biggest battles in recent years.

"With Clive's former favourite Lawrence Dallaglio having already been nominated as captain for England's summer tour, it will be interesting to see who leads out England at Twickenham in November against New Zealand."

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