Jeremy Guscott has revealed that Newcastle Falcons Director of Rugby Dean Richards would be his pick to take over at Northampton following Jim Mallinder’s sacking.
Saints sacked Mallinder on Tuesday following their loss to Ospreys in the Champions Cup over the weekend, which was their ninth defeat in their last 10 games in all competitions.
“They need someone doing the overall job. Dean Richards is that man,” wrote Guscott in The Rugby Paper.
“I honestly don’t believe that there is a director of rugby tracksuit big enough to fit him, he is obviously well established in the north-east with Newcastle having turned the club around.
“The lifestyle also appears to suit him, whether hunting, shooting or fishing in his leisure time, or just enjoying the bracing Northumberland air.
“Deano is a big-time coach, and Northampton should be a big-time club – but they are a small time at the moment.
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“Richards is a seasoned, tough operator who would give Northampton a reality check.
“He would tell the players they are not as good as they think they are, and that they have to get themselves out of the flunk they have got themselves into.
“That’s why if I in Northampton’s position Dean Richards would be the first name on my speed dial.”