Kingston to remain at Quins
March 4, 2002

Demoted Harlequins coach John Kingston has decided to stay on at The Stoop to take charge of the forwards.

Kingston lost his position as head coach last week when chief executive Mark Evans was given a hands-on role to try and steer the club away from the Zurich Premiership relegation zone.

Evans succeeded in similar circumstances last season when former All Black captain Zinzan Brooke was axed - and he eventually steered the club to glory in the European Shield.

But, after resuming his chief executive duties during the summer, Evans was forced into action again when Leeds' surprise win at Saracens last weekend left the Londoners at the foot of the table.

Kingston made his decision after taking a few days to think about the offer and will now assist Evans - along with backs coach, former England scrum-half Richard Hill.

Their immediate task is to carry Quins into the Powergen Cup final with a home win against London Irish on Saturday - and then set about pushing the club away from danger.

"I wanted John to stay; otherwise I wouldn't have made him the offer," said Evans.

"He feels he still has a worthwhile role at the club, and so do I. It isn't a situation I had planned, but you just have to get on with it."

Former Richmond and Galwegians coach Kingston still has 14 months of a two-year contract to run.

But team manager Mike Scott insists the coaching reshuffle will not disrupt the playing squad.

"The players have reacted very positively to the changes," he said.

"They trained very well last week and they have trained very well this morning. The mood has been very good, and everyone understands why the changes have been made.

"Now it is a matter of having a positive attitude in a match. The players want to go out and put things right."

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