Northampton need to call for a Smith coaching protégé

AS a proud Saints supporter of over 40 years it’s difficult to watch a team that achieved so much in recent years decimated by what seems like a toxic culture at Frankin’s Gardens.

However, this isn’t the first time Saints supporters have seen complacency seep into the side after winning a trophy. We saw the same thing occur in 2001 after John Steele’s side won the European Cup and Wayne Smith arrived to change the culture and introduce a wonderful exciting brand of rugby.

Seemingly the Saints are in need of freshening up the coaching staff and the machismo orientated culture that dominates the club, pointing directly at the three serious breaches in discipline from senior players inside a month.

I’m appreciative of all Jim Mallinder has brought to the club but the players seem unresponsive and the way Alex King was removed was quite frankly crass and not in keeping with the way Saints supporters would expect the club to behave.

Change is needed as the success built by the club over the last nine years could be quickly be eroded.

I can’t see any better options than to ask for a return to the club of one of Smith’s charges who have gone on to do well in coaching – Johann Ackermann, Rob Hunter, Ali Hepher or Bruce Reihana – to reintroduce some pride, spirit and a winning culture. TED SOPER via email