I HOPE Sir Clive Woodward realises his ambition to take charge of a Premiership club as it will put to the test the idea that only ex-footballers can become managers.

Football management has been a closed shop for decades, with many bosses derogatively referring to those who have never been involved in the pro game as "civilians" or "punters".

Woodward has never played the game at any serious level, but I bet he will sail through his coaching badges, and that the qualities which guided England to Rugby World Cup triumph will prove successful in football.