Mallinder: Saints are still my priority

Jim Mallinder has stressed that securing more silverware for Saints remains his priority amid speculation linking him with the England job.
Jim Mallinder will get extra spending power (picture: Sharon Lucey)Jim Mallinder will get extra spending power (picture: Sharon Lucey)
Jim Mallinder will get extra spending power (picture: Sharon Lucey)

The national team have been eliminated from the World Cup with one pool game to spare, casting doubt over the future of head coach Stuart Lancaster.

Lancaster has a contract until 2020, but there have been suggestions that he could vacate the post to make way for a new man.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mallinder has England experience, having enjoyed success with the Under-21 team and the Saxons before joining Saints in 2007.

He is currently among the favourites for the role with the bookmakers, but insists his club comes first.

And he has emphasised his desperation to help Saints win the Premiership title again this season, as they did in 2013/14.

“It (the England job) is not available at the moment, but some way down the line I would like to coach internationally,” said Mallinder, who signed a new five-year deal at Saints last year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have coached the Saxons but I have never coached an international team.

“However, at this moment in time, Northampton Saints is my priority and we have a massive job ahead this season.

“We are desperate to get back the title we won in 2014 and we are confident in the group of players we have.

“I have a hugely supportive board, coaching team and fanbase here at the Saints and I want to bring more success to this club this season.”