Cotton accuses Andrew and Carling
November 15, 2001

Club England chairman Fran Cotton has accused Will Carling and Rob Andrew of uniting to undermine the position of national coach Clive Woodward.

Cotton believes the pair are campaigning in an effort to get Woodward ousted from his post, although Andrew has strongly denied the claims.

Woodward launched a bitter outburst after Saturday's 21-15 victory over Australia at Twickenham, annoyed that former players he was 'supposed to be working with' were criticising his tactics.

Andrew was seen as the major target of Woodward's attack, the former England fly-half having questioned team selection and tactics on the morning of the Cook Cup clash.

"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to appreciate something was going on," Cotton told The Times.

"A whole host of people have been having a go at Clive. I think it is being driven by Will and Rob.

"You only have to look at what they are saying. I can't believe what Rob wrote.

"I am 120% behind Clive and I can understand why he was so upset. If Rob felt so strongly why didn't he pick up the phone and talk to Clive.

"Saying Clive doesn't know what he is doing is out of order. I find it staggering, disgraceful.

"We have lost only one game in 13 and England has never had a better record.

"Perhaps Rob is getting bored at Newcastle."

However, Andrew rejected the claims, even though he stands by the comments he made at the weekend.

"There is no conspiracy. That is nonsense," insisted the Newcastle chief.

"I can assure you I have no interest in the job. I have a long-term contract with Newcastle and I intend to see it through."

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