Richardson leaves Scotland post
Guy Richardson has left his role as manager of the Scotland national team to seek a new challenge.
Richardson did very well during his time in the role and the hunt is now on to find a replacement who can come in and have an equally positive effect over all areas of the team and set-up.
It's clear that Richardson was a very popular figure within the set-up of the side and he will be greatly missed. However, he has said that he is keeping all of his options open ahead of another move in rugby although he'll take a short break.
There are a few worrying signs for Scotland because they had just started to play well and draw the unity that saw them thrash Argentina in their own back yard. It will be very difficult for the Scottish Rugby Union to find the perfect replacement.
Immediate effect
There will be an immediate effect on the team because Richardson was a very popular person. He had the ability to put smiles on faces and lift a number of people in the wake of a bad result.
This means that a few of the Scottish players may be a little downbeat until a solid replacement is found. It will be very difficult to keep morale up when a popular person decides to leave to go and do something else.
This could damage the recent strong spirit that has been created within the Scottish camp. They have secured some good wins in their last few games and their victory in Argentina was taken as a sign that the team could be about to move up a level.
Head coach Andy Robinson said: "The work that Guy and his team have put into Scottish Rugby over the last few years has been hugely appreciated by the players. We wish him well in his new role and we will be considering the recruitment process for his successor over the next few weeks."
Experience
It's very important that the remaining experience in the Scottish camp gets to work straight away to make sure there is no possible impact on the team, which could dent performances.
Robinson will have a big say on who is now appointed as the team manager and a list has supposedly already been drawn up. There are key figures from the Magners League and the Premiership on this list although their identity at the moment is very vague.
Scotland will have to look within themselves while the hunt is on for another manager. This means that the experience in the playing squad will have to equally step up. There are some very good old professionals in the playing set-up who can help lift the morale of particular players who may be sad about this news.
Betting advice
Scotland are not naive enough to allow this news to have a serious impact on the team. They will work quickly and efficiently to make sure that any negative impact can be muted and eradicated.
The hunt is on to find a new manager and he will find a side that has been lifted by recent results. It's clear that the Scottish still have a lot of work to do to match the levels of other sides but they have gone from certain losers in big matches to a side that is now well worth a punt.
Their playing style and charisma is unlikely to change because the coaches who control these areas have not left and will not leave and will continue the good work that has already been started within the side.
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