Warren Gatland is about to put pen to paper on a bumper new four-year deal with Wales. A WRU gamble, or do they really have a credible alternative? The Western Mail's Delme Parfitt explores.
"The decision to offer Warren Gatland a new contract running until 2015 is an indication not just of how highly the Welsh Rugby Union rate him, but also of the real dearth of alternative candidates for one of the hottest seats in the world game.
"That comment may produce a quizzical look from some. Hey, surely there are any number of top men out there who could have taken over had Gatland headed back to New Zealand? Well realistically, no there aren’t. We have to be circumspect when we consider this situation.
"...Gatland’s membership of the elite coaching strata is not in doubt, neither are his credentials as one of the best in the business. But the bottom line is that he currently needs some big results after 18 months of frustration on the scoreboard – and the looming opposition affords him next to no leeway."
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