Tyrant Mitchell- leaves Sale after one month

Mitchell leaves Sale after one month 29 December 2012, 16:25

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell quit as Sale head coach on Saturday after just a month in charge of the English Premiership club.

Mitchell led Sale to just their second league win of the season against Worcester on Friday, but less than 24 hours later Sale confirmed the Kiwi had left his role to return to South Africa for personal reasons.

The 48-year-old only joined Sale at the end of November, having previously worked for them on a consultancy basis, as the struggling Sharks battle to avoid relegation from the Premiership.

Sale owner Brian Kennedy said in a statement: "John was brought in on a consultancy basis with a view to the possibility of being employed in a longer term position within Sale Sharks.

"He has had to return to South Africa for personal reasons which we respect. We are grateful for his valuable and insightful contributions albeit for a shorter term than envisaged.

"Steve Diamond, Bryan Redpath and Pete Anglesea will continue to coach the side, implementing many of John's ideas, and building on last night's excellent performance."

 Looks like he was running his players down in the media again. Saw an article where he was crticising Danny Ciprianis defence and overall performance of other team members. Not likely to go down with the English Premadona players.

Perhaps the boks could bring him in as a backline coaching consultant

Sharkbok

Mitchell was asked to try and help out Sale from the poor position they were in and got leave of absence from his present employers - the Lions to do just that - he was due back in SA in February 2013 in any event.

Since he was not really on any period contract with Sale and now also has been appointed by Supersport to comment on and analyze matches he may be back earlier than envisaged.