England captain Phil Vickery has accused rugby chiefs of lacking 'common decency' over their handling of the Brian Ashton affair.
'Old-fashioned manners don't go amiss,' England skipper tells RFU
Phil Vickery has launched a scathing attack on the Rugby Football Union over its handling of the Brian Ashton affair.
The England captain spoke out after Ashton was axed as head coach this week following the appointment of Martin Johnson as team manager.
And In a cruel twist it appears that Ashton may well have been the architect of his own demise after revelations that it was the coach himself who put forward the idea of recruiting a team manager.
It is said that the coach's intention however, was for the incumbent of the new role to assume a portion of his duties but ultimately be answerable to him.
Now it would seem that Ashton, who looks set to accept a demotion to the National Academy, has been consumed by a monster he had no small hand in creating.
Heroic
Speaking in
The Daily Telegraph on Saturday Vickery lambasted the RFU, accusing England's rugby chiefs of lacking 'common decency' in their actions.
"There's nothing wrong with trying to have a bit of common decency about things," he said.
"They say it's a professional sport but some old-fashioned manners don't go amiss.
"The way Brian has been treated has not been great. He did some heroic things for England and that ought not to be forgotten."
The Wasps prop, who is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury, added that he was unconcerned that his role as captain may be under threat.
Vickery, who was part of the 2003 World Cup-winning side captained by Johnson, urged the RFU give the incoming manager whatever he needs to succeed.
He added: "There will be tough times ahead and they've got to give Martin all that he needs and back him all the way.
"He needs to know that he's got support because there are big decisions to make. I've spoken to Martin and whatever happens with the captaincy is not an issue.
"He will have his ideas on all that in his own time. I just want to keep performing and keep pushing."
