Dragons should wait until summer to select their new boss

I’VE BEEN very critical of the Dragons this season and I stand by those comments, but you also have to give credit where it’s due and things have turned around at Rodney Parade over Christmas.

Much of that is down to interim head coach Ceri Jones and I don’t see a problem with the farmer’s son continuing in the role until the end of the season. He’s doing a good job, so why rush things?

Let’s not over-egg the pudding, the Dragons haven’t suddenly become world beaters or PRO14 title contenders since Jones took charge following Bernard Jackman’s sacking. I’ve spoken to a few people at the region over New Year and they’ve told me Jones hasn’t reinvented the wheel. The regime is very similar to what it was under Jackman and training hasn’t changed.

So, what’s happened? Had the players stopped playing for Bernard? Or is Jones Warren Gatland in disguise? Whatever has happened, it’s improved the fortunes of the team and the Dragons were unlucky not to beat Cardiff Blues with 14 men. They then went and downed the Ospreys.

The Dragons board are set to make their mind up on who gets the job this week. But in my view it’s a very difficult time to make an appointment. There aren’t many coaches available right now, so my view would be to wait until the summer and appoint the best man for the job then.

Jones has proved himself a more than safe pair of hands in a crisis. Hopefully he can keep up the good work and then hand the Dragons squad over to a full-time appointment around May.