A week after rumours surfaced that Sharks coach John Plumtree has been linked with a coaching role at the Force, a new set of rumours linking him to the U.K. has hit.
SuperXV.com reports that Gloucester have confirmed a shortlist of four coaches to take over the reins, after Bryan Redpath stepped down as head coach a few weeks ago. His assistant, Carl Hogg, took charge of the rest of the season, and making it clear that he would like the opportunity to take charge on a full time basis.
Gloucester have confirmed that they have been looking at a number of coaches, but have cut the list to four candidates that are realistically available to them, and are hoping to have the new coach in place by the end of May.
The full list of candidates is:
Steve Meehan (formerly Bath)
Nigel Davies (currently at Scarlets)
John Plumtree (currently Sharks, formerly Swansea)
Carl Hogg (currently caretaker coach)
More on this as the information comes available.

It’s interesting that he’s getting offers while still under contract….I wonder what’s going on?
Before the Nick Mallet brigade jumps on the wagon you should know that apparently he is not interested in coaching right now as he will be working for Supersport doing analysis and commentating.
Man with all this smoke I hope there is a HUGE fire.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 3) : So do I
@KSA Shark © (Comment 3) : @JarsonX (Comment 4) :
Who do you guys suggest replacing him with if he had to leave btw?
And please dont tell me JM…..
@Uli (Comment 5) : Anyone who might get things done and who can mould the bunch of individuals into a Champion Team.
@Uli (Comment 5) : JM?
@Bokhoring (Comment 7) :
John Michell?
@Pokkel (Comment 8) : off course – not my first choice either
Rather him than HRH or Bashford though
@Bokhoring (Comment 7) : @Pokkel (Comment 8) : yea John Michell
@JarsonX (Comment 6) : My biggest worry is that we replace…. and actually move backwards.
Plum is not that bad a coach at all. In fact, how many coaches did we go through before we won the CC? Mac was the last coach until Plum to honour us with something to joy about. DM did pretty well as did Oom Rudi, Thats is it.
Nick the Mallett?
I’d even be happy with Sean Everitt. He is a REAL backline player and I’m sure will have no qualms in getting in the help needed such as specialized coaches and a mind coach.
@Uli (Comment 10) : I think the problem with Plum is he is trying to do to much, and I not sure his assistants are much help
He has always been a good forwards coach
Maybe the problem lies with Sharks Management. Perhaps they dont want to spend the cash on specialists.
@Bokhoring (Comment 13) : +1
If I remember correctly old Snorre is looking to share his vast knowledge and experience
Plum is still under contract until end 2013.
I doubt we will be able to get rid of him anytime soon, seeing as he has a contract, firstly, and the fact that the team is suddenly playing winning rugby again.
(Note – I said winning rugby, not good rugby, big difference).
I think this is wishful thinking on the part of Gloucester, and as stated in the article, is just another rumour.
What I find interesting though, is the fact that Plum hasn’t been all that successful at the Sharks, so why would any other team want to approach him?! – Just saying..
@Uli (Comment 10) : Plum seems ok but the support staff is questionable.
@Uli (Comment 10) : Plumtree is not a bad CC coach, where you can get away with being below par and rely on individual players to pull it through for you.
Plumtree is a less than mediocre SR coach, who doesn’t believe in getting specialists involved in the day and age where they are not a luxury but a must have.
Muir was progressive and brought in a mind coach. Everyone was impressed at him seeing the benefits of having a specialist involved and we saw it on the field as well. What was one of Plumtree’s 1st actions as coach? letting the mind coach go.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 19) : Plum seems to be too much of an old school guy to worry about being progressive.
I think we’ll wish we din’t wish our coach away once we get a new one. Just saying, we’re still doing pretty good. Another coach and we may have been even worse of.
@Letgo (Comment 21) : I agree
Plum must be fishing if his name keeps popping up
I wonder when Eddie Jones’ contract is up in Japan?
What about Jimmy Stonehouse? His name has been bandied about on a number of occasions.
I recon Plum would do much better if he had the choice of being able buy the players he wants in stead of having to use who oom rudi gives him…