Alred return could be shortlived

Interesting to see that there's been a bit of publicity recently about England's kicking supremo Dave Alred.

He was sacked in 2006 - without justification in my view - and brought back at the behest of Toby Flood in particular last Autumn.

And, as has been highlighted, he's had spectacular results, with England missing only one kick in their first three Six Nations matches.

But his return could be very shortlived.

Not only is Alred - a colourful and outspoken character - unpopular with some members of the RFU board, and chairman Martyn Thomas in particular.

But he's also been the subject of an official complaint from England's big paying kit sponsor, Nike.

The US behemoth was unhappy that Alred wore Adidas kit on the Twickenham turf when he helped Jonny Wilkinson with his warm-up before the Italy match.

They made an official complaint, and this could be further ammunition for the RFU to dispense with a man they see as a difficult character.