Dances with Wolves

Boots 'N' All caught up with Tony Smith who after 17 months as the coach of England is back in club coaching.

After 17 months as the full time coach of England Tony Smith is back in club coaching. His last domestic game was the 2007 Grand Final win with Leeds one of two titles won during his time at Headingly. Now he has got the job of turning Warrington Wolves around and he is looking to repair his reputation that took a knock at the World Cup after England's poor performance in Australia. With James Lowes retained as first team coach, Smith will work at the Haliwell Jones Stadium as head of coaching while still continuing his duties as England coach on a part-time basis. "I have missed it in recent times," admitted Smith to Boots 'N' All. "Probably more so since the world Cup because the results at the their have made me feel that I really want to get back to the day-to-day and week-to week coaching. "I have got my chance and it will be nice to get back into the seat and coach on a full time basis." Despite watching his new side lose to his old side, there was a marked improvement from the side that had shipped 88 points in their previous two matches. They totally dominated the second half but a late try from Danny McGuire meant it was not a fairytale return for Smith. "We came up against the defending champs and we ran them pretty close but we need to turn that around," added Smith. "Having said that where we have been in the last few weeks I am encouraged and I have seen some good spirit. That is what I like to see - it gives you some scope. We had to many errors and we were our own worse enemy at stages. I thought our defence was very very good against a team that can attack. "I am pleased in some areas but a lot of work to do in others." One player who knows the impact Smith can have on a club is Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfield. "He will transform the club, I am sure of that," Sinfield said on Boots 'N' All. "I think with Jimmy alongside him as well they have certainly got the staff now and the place is ready to boom and I am sure it will. "Hopefully it will wait until I have retired though. I am sure he will do some good things there, he is a good coach."