Woodward: I can make a difference
Clive Woodward admits he faces a huge challenge in his new appointment as Southampton’s technical director but is confident he can make the transition from rugby union to be a success at St Mary’s.
Woodward will initially work with the Saints academy to improve the fitness of the players as well as the use of technology and science as he looks to transfer the painstaking, demanding methods that underpinned his approach to rugby union and ultimately led to England winning the 2003 World Cup.
Woodward, who will not be involved in coaching with Saints boss Harry Redknapp, will also subject the senior squad to psychological and physiological detail.
He told the Daily Mail: “This is a huge and thrilling challenge for me. I’m attempting something which has never been done before. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t truly believe I can bring something new to football, that I can make a difference.”
Woodward’s reputation has suffered a huge blow following the outclassing of his Lions side on the dismal tour of New Zealand where they were defeated in all three Test matches.
While accepting his share of the blame as head coach, Woodward has now transferred his focus to football and uses five-time Olympic rowing champion Steve Redgrave as an example of professionalism.
“There were no Friday night drinks for Steve,” he said. “No Thursday night drinks, either. And no Wednesday or Tuesday or Monday night drinks.
“The modern professional sportsman has a relatively short span in which to commit himself to success. Later, when it’s all over there is plenty of time for a fun social life.”
After studying coaching in Brazil, Woodward believes the romantic image of natural-born players honing their skills on the beach is simply that, saying: “As in so many things in life, the secret is not magic. It is simple. It is called hard work.”
