Cockerill is a caged Tiger still keen to shout the odds
Leicester's coach is serving a four-week ban for criticising officials, but he won't quieten down at a key stage of the season according to Rob Kitson in The Guardian.
"As Richard Cockerill discovered the other day, his status as Leicester's head coach does not guarantee absolute respect. There he stood, attempting to break the news that a foul-mouthed rant at match officials last month had resulted in a four-week match-day ban. "Sorry," he told his players. "I'm afraid I won't be with you on Saturdays until after Christmas." The eruption of delight, air-punching and cheering apparently put even last season's raucous title celebrations in the shade.
"It is hard to imagine Sir Alex Ferguson seeing the funny side. But such is life at Leicester on Cockerill's watch. The ex-England hooker was the sort of player opponents loved to hate and some things never change. The World Cup-winning lock Ben Kay admits there are moments when he cannot believe the little pest is his boss. "I am surprised, to be honest," he said. "There were a few raised eyebrows when the club brought him back as a coach, knowing how hot-headed he used to be in training. As it's turned out, he's been a revelation in that regard, although the pills do occasionally wear off."
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