News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
By ComeOnYouSaints.com
January 4 2013
Northampton Saints today announced that Alex King will be joining the club's coaching staff ahead of the 2013/14 campaign.
Over the past five years the 37-year-old former England fly half has built up a reputation as one of the most exciting coaches in European rugby. King joins the Saints from Clermont Auvergne, where as assistant coach he helped the French club win the Top 14 for the very first time in 2010, and reaching the 2012 semi-final of the Heineken Cup.
This season Clermont remain undefeated in a Heineken Cup pool which includes Leinster and Exeter and currently lie second in the Top 14 table.
But while King says that he is focused on bringing more silverware to the Stade Marcel Michelin this season he is looking forward to developing himself further as part of Jim Mallinder's coaching staff at Franklin's Gardens.
"I'm very excited about the prospect of joining Northampton Saints, which is one of the biggest clubs in Europe," King commented. "In Jim Mallinder the Saints have a director of rugby that I respect greatly and a good, young team with plenty of talented English players. The club also has a great support base and I hope that I'll be able to help bring success to Franklin's Gardens.
"I've had an amazing six years in France as a player and a coach. I always wanted to play in France and immerse myself in a different culture. I have done that and learned a great deal by working with great coaches like Vern Cotter, Joe Schmidt and Franck Azema.
"I feel that I am more knowledgeable about the sport and hopefully I can bring that to Northampton. I'm certainly looking forward to working with Jim, Dorian West and the other coaches at the Saints and believe that it is the right fit for me professionally and personally. It's the right time for me to come home to England and to a club like the Saints, which has a very bright future under Jim's leadership."
As a player King won everything there is to win in England, including two Heineken Cups and four league titles with London Wasps, and Mallinder says that this knowledge, along with his more recent experience in France, will help the Saints take the next step in the club's development.
"We have been inundated with applications from coaches over the past few weeks, but I believe that Alex is the right person to help us move forward as a group," the Saints director of rugby commented. "As a player he was part of an excellent London Wasps team, and as a coach he has helped Clermont Auvergne become one of the top clubs in Europe.
"He has built up a considerable amount of experience in a short space of time and is a coach who has some exciting ideas. I'm looking forward to Alex joining us in the summer and establishing himself at Franklin's Gardens."
The Saints also confirmed that Alan Dickens will be remaining at Franklin's Gardens in a combined role that will see him continue as Academy Manager and in the first team coaching group.
"Alan is an important member of our coaching group and I am looking forward to him continuing his excellent work leading the Saints Academy while developing himself as a coach with the first team," Mallinder added.
News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:00
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Coaching staff
Posted by: HerbieSaint (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 13:46
James Burridge of Look East reporting that Alex King is Grayson's replacement from the start of next season. If it's true that's brilliant news!
Re: Coaching staff
Posted by: stoofer (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 13:55
wow!.....er....blimey! Really!
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Saint Tim (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:03
Now that is good news.
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: StBleach (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:06
I don't think anybody saw that happening.. Cannt fault the guys experience and knowledge.. Excellent news.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Stockers (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:08
Well done Jim, great news!
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: tedge (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:08
A good signing though he'll probably need some more material to work with
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Saint Tim (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:12
Signed early enough to have an influence over signings for next season?
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Flinstone Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:24
Quote:Saint Tim
Signed early enough to have an influence over signings for next season?
I'd like to think so, Tim. Perhaps some of our existing players who are up for renewal will sign on the Saints dotted line now too.
I'm excited about what Alex can bring. Welcome aboard.
----------------------------------------
Please sponsor me for Saints with Heart [www.justgiving.com]
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: DaventrySaint (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:24
Delighted with this appointment, although I would like to see another coach added to help share the load.
Reckon he can bring Fofana with him?
Reckon he can bring Fofana with him?
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Chris Hoddle (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:27
Yes agree a good signing and also he should have the influence on other signings. He may not wish to re-sign exsisting players but may also know of some other French up and coming players that can not get into teams as they are buing loads of established stars.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Bob Stainsby (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:31
Great News well done Saints and Jim!!!!
Also fair play to Robbie R for suggesting King in an earlier post (sorry RR can't find it) good spot.
and good for recruitment too now if Kingy can get our backs firing like Clermont wooo hooo!
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Also fair play to Robbie R for suggesting King in an earlier post (sorry RR can't find it) good spot.
and good for recruitment too now if Kingy can get our backs firing like Clermont wooo hooo!
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Broonie (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:32
very highly regarded and has done a glittering apprenticeship in an immensely tough school.
we must have gone loaded for bear when we hunted this one down.
*been there got the T shirt
*show us your medals - 10/10
*connections - might well bring a player or two and will certainly know the french market.
*will he fight his corner in the boot room - surely
*outsider's view? -yes. good for Jim in welcoming this.
*fresh ideas?-yes.
*will there be a few envious clubs tonight ?-yes, i think there will be.
any more to come ? i'd love to see one more to come and look after defence and the breakdown (attacking and defending) where i have a feeling we may be a year or two behind best practice at present.
we must have gone loaded for bear when we hunted this one down.
*been there got the T shirt
*show us your medals - 10/10
*connections - might well bring a player or two and will certainly know the french market.
*will he fight his corner in the boot room - surely
*outsider's view? -yes. good for Jim in welcoming this.
*fresh ideas?-yes.
*will there be a few envious clubs tonight ?-yes, i think there will be.
any more to come ? i'd love to see one more to come and look after defence and the breakdown (attacking and defending) where i have a feeling we may be a year or two behind best practice at present.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: riverlodge (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:38
^^ whats already been said above, very pleased about what should be a great addition to the club. well done jim & the club.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: bald.paul.101 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:40
as a wasps fan I'm very jealous.
Best of luck to him at Saints.
A top bloke, great player and from all accounts an excellent coach.
Best of luck to him at Saints.
A top bloke, great player and from all accounts an excellent coach.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Bob Stainsby (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 14:53
Thank you Paul and remember he won 'everything' at Wasps
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: bald.paul.101 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 15:05
You think I needed reminding ? 
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: St Owen (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 15:08
More than a little happy with this.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: TheGent (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 15:15
Great news! Shows we're still a club that top names want to be involved with.
Now to move past the sleeping giant phase.
Now to move past the sleeping giant phase.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: SaintsDuncan (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 15:16
Great news...also like the bit about Alan having a dual role. More/better continuity between academy and first team?
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Duckonstilts (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 15:16
Great news. Now we just have to finish strongly this year.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 15:35
Quote:StBleach
I don't think anybody saw that happening..
I knew ten years ago!
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: SaintsDuncan (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 15:43
Done deal?
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 15:49
Indeed Duncan, I did of course want to let you all know but my contacts swore me to secrecy, its been hard keeping schtum last decade.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: SaintsDuncan (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 16:05
A man of rare honour then
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: walks10 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 16:12
fantastic signing!
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: St Francis (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 16:27
I'm happy with that. Alex King is a bit special.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Richardwasp (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 16:37
You have a real gem there, great signing for you, be kind to him
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Neil-H (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 16:44
Good signing!
Well done those that made it happen
Well done those that made it happen
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: LaurieK (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 17:25
This seems a very good signing. I wonder what Alex's job description will cover. Is he mainly regarded as an attack coach or is defence there as well. Great that the club has acted so speedily. That is as good as the result.
Still worried about the remainder of the season though. September is a long time away.
Still worried about the remainder of the season though. September is a long time away.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Duckonstilts (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 17:26
Quote:LaurieK
This seems a very good signing. I wonder what Alex's job description will cover. Is he mainly regarded as an attack coach or is defence there as well. Great that the club has acted so speedily. That is as good as the result.
Still worried about the remainder of the season though. September is a long time away.
I think he is currently Skills/Defense .. But i am too lazy to check that.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 17:32
Great news and may I say............................
Welcome to the Saints Mr King
Bridesmaids no more.
Welcome to the Saints Mr King
Bridesmaids no more.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: andysaint (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 17:35
I said he was on my wish list but never thought we would get him! That is fantastic, if he can bring just a bit of the winning culture he had at Wasps and now at Clermont this could be one of the best signings in a long time. His career record in playing and coaching is excellent.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: MoANjAm (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 17:45
@Lloydie? You owe me a groat!
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: StBleach (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 18:02
Oggie,Oggie,Oggie Saints,Saints, Saints ... thought I would make hime feel welcome...
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: smitferbrainz (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 18:14
Best bit of recruiting made since I've been following Saints IMO. Welcome Kingy. Hope to see our backs developing big style next season with top player signings to follow....hopefully. It's key Saints follow this up with quality backs recruitment even if it means shifting a few on.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 18:31
The thing that excites me most is we have not signed a been there done that coach we have signed a rising star with higher ambitions. In all walks of life these are the special people.
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: numberseven (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 18:50
Spot on St Rich. If this were the city looking at a company at best treading water and at worst on a bit of a decline this sort of announcement would get the share price moving up on the anticipation of an improved performance.
Welcome Kinga and best wishes
Welcome Kinga and best wishes
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 19:05
Quote:Bob Stainsby
Great News well done Saints and Jim!!!!
Also fair play to Robbie R for suggesting King in an earlier post (sorry RR can't find it) good spot.
and good for recruitment too now if Kingy can get our backs firing like Clermont wooo hooo!
Cheers Bob, glad to see some of my sources are still reliable!!!
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Lloydie (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 19:06
Quote:Your "kidding"... Oh hang on I thought you wrote goat?MoANjAm
@Lloydie? You owe me a groat!
Great prediction mate bet u wish you had bet on it?
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: saint chub (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 19:28
now that is a real sign of intent.
i really look forward to some exciting rugby being played with maybe 1 or 2 new signings
i really look forward to some exciting rugby being played with maybe 1 or 2 new signings
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Edmund Farfalla (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 19:35
Quote:LaurieK
I wonder what Alex's job description will cover
DOR in Waiting, for when the board decide that the JM/DW team have run their course?
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Rubadubdub; remember Seb Tubb? (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 20:37
Quote:smitferbrainz
Best bit of recruiting made since I've been following Saints IMO. Welcome Kingy. Hope to see our backs developing big style next season with top player signings to follow....hopefully. It's key Saints follow this up with quality backs recruitment even if it means shifting a few on.
I hope that he hasn't just been employed to coach the backs; the whole team, includin the forwards, need to buy into the attacking strategy. I.e. it's no good being able to pull off fantastic backs moves if you're front row get in the way, or recieve ball that they shouldn't.
Very excited by this, just a shame he's not joining tomorrow! Think we've got the defence sorted, not givin lots of kickable pens away, just not scoring tries! If we can solve problem that then we are back at the races this season let alone next season!!
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: smitferbrainz (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 21:16
Quote:Rubadubdub; remember Seb Tubb?Quote:smitferbrainz
Best bit of recruiting made since I've been following Saints IMO. Welcome Kingy. Hope to see our backs developing big style next season with top player signings to follow....hopefully. It's key Saints follow this up with quality backs recruitment even if it means shifting a few on.
I hope that he hasn't just been employed to coach the backs; the whole team, includin the forwards, need to buy into the attacking strategy. I.e. it's no good being able to pull off fantastic backs moves if you're front row get in the way, or recieve ball that they shouldn't.
Very excited by this, just a shame he's not joining tomorrow! Think we've got the defence sorted, not givin lots of kickable pens away, just not scoring tries! If we can solve problem that then we are back at the races this season let alone next season!!
Fair enough but I think we "have" the forwards even with Mooj and Tiny leaving. I don't think we "have" the backs either now, let alone next season. I hope that AKs signing will attract quality backs to the club as well as quality forwards. It's behind the pack we need fixing and with better quality backs behind an already cohesive pack we could do something next season. I think part of AKs signing is about attracting better quality players to the club.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Rubadubdub; remember Seb Tubb? (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 22:23
Agree with you to a certain extent. I agree that we have the forwards, but I also think that by and large we have the backs as well. The current problem for me is that the mentality has a bias leaning towards the forwards. This is why when we are 'coming round the corner' and we get over the gainline we look dangerous; when we don't we've got nothing else to offer. How often do we see a Forward get in the way of Dicko when obviously looking to get the ball wide, making him at best check his pass (allowing the defence to push up), or at worst pass the ball to the same forward (who is invariably flat, stood still and then gets driven further away from the gainline, which in turn puts the scrum half, stand off and indeed the whole backline under pressure, because it allows the blitz defence to occur with relative safety from any ad hoc attack. Until we get the equilibrum right between back and forward play, then we will struggle to introduce the most potent form of attack on any paddock; the offload out of the tackle. Our offload has disappeared from 1 to 15, and there is one reason for this; ball carriers have no confidence that supporting runners will be there to offload to, and that's because they regularly are not there. Sort out the attacking lines of running depth and alignment of all the players and this will sort itself out.
Also, I've just re-read my last post; it comes off a bit shirty towards you doesn't it! Soz! Not my intention at all pal. It's just that the game has moved on from the one that I used to play; much more integration in practice, with far more attack and defence drills than forwards/backs drills. Obviously forwards have scrimmage and line out drills. But everything else from rucking, mauling, handling, tackling and attacking has to be a team effort.
Also, I've just re-read my last post; it comes off a bit shirty towards you doesn't it! Soz! Not my intention at all pal. It's just that the game has moved on from the one that I used to play; much more integration in practice, with far more attack and defence drills than forwards/backs drills. Obviously forwards have scrimmage and line out drills. But everything else from rucking, mauling, handling, tackling and attacking has to be a team effort.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: smitferbrainz (IP Logged)
Date: 04/01/2013 22:57
Absolutely no problem Ruba. I don't think your post is shirty at all, but thanks for the thought. I agree with your points. Perhaps we do have the potential in the backs. Your point re offloads is well made. Good offloading is a 16th man and ours seems quite poor. AK is a coach who can unlock the potential in our existing backs. Perhaps he can reinvigorate George. If he brings Burrell through that would be great.
For some weeks there have been comments on ths board about whether or not Saints is a club that will attract the best players. I have certainly wondered, as have others. I feel better about this area now. I think players will want to come here now. This coaching signing will be noticed. The ESPN commentators were talking about it in the Wuss v Tigs game. Today may be the best day in our season.
For some weeks there have been comments on ths board about whether or not Saints is a club that will attract the best players. I have certainly wondered, as have others. I feel better about this area now. I think players will want to come here now. This coaching signing will be noticed. The ESPN commentators were talking about it in the Wuss v Tigs game. Today may be the best day in our season.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Rubadubdub; remember Seb Tubb? (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2013 00:48
I noticed on twitter that Nick Easter was enquiring as to whether King was joining for the rest of this season (Martin Bayfield's thread I think). the first thing that i thought was, "he's worried that AK will come in straight away, and get our boys playing." A pleasing thought to go to bed on!
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Alan B (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2013 11:23
what good news
he will soon have the passes fizzing off the left hand
he will soon have the passes fizzing off the left hand
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Alan B (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2013 16:54
does he still have nightmares about Big Ben?
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Rubadubdub; remember Seb Tubb? (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2013 18:15
Quote:Alan B
does he still have nightmares about Big Ben?
Charge down conversions!! Twice in that quarter final wasn't it..
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: saintian (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2013 18:56
Ben who? 
Welcome Kinga; a very, very warm welcome to you.
Welcome Kinga; a very, very warm welcome to you.
Re: News: Saints add King to Coaching Staff
Posted by: Alan B (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2013 09:45
my memory was one charge down and one fluffed under more pressure from Cohen ,but i thought the second one was the next season-if it was it shows that our new signing has a good memory!
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