MARTIN Johnson is set to be confirmed as England's new team manager at a specially-convened meeting of the Rugby Football Union's management board later today.

But the future of Brian Ashton remains in doubt with reports last night stating he would be removed as head coach and offered a job elsewhere in the RFU, possibly his old position as head of the national academy.

A statement from the RFU is expected around lunchtime.

If Johnson's appointment and Ashton's departure are both confirmed, it would signal a dramatic u-turn from the RFU in the space of just four months.

In December, Ashton was reappointed as head coach after leading England to the World Cup final and promised a manager of his own choosing - someone who would share the managerial and administrative burden but who would not get involved in rugby affairs.

But that changed after the Six Nations when senior officials at the RFU grew concerned over England's inconsistent performances and Andrew was given the green light to recruit Johnson, who wants full control over England's management team.

Last week, RFU chief executive Francis Baron stated he wanted Ashton to remain on board as part of the coaching staff under a new team manager.

If the reports are true, that stance would also appear to have changed.

The RFU have come in for fierce criticism for the way they have handled the process and their treatment of Ashton.

Former England international and professional lawyer Brian Moore last night claimed Ashton's departure would be the "clearest case of constructive dismissal'' he had ever seen.

It is unlikely all the loose ends will be tied up tomorrow but Johnson is reported to have reach broad agreement on his role with the RFU.

If Ashton does leave his post, one key issue to be thrashed out is who will lead England's tour to New Zealand in June given Johnson is not thought to be available with his wife expecting their second child.

Baron stated last week the new team manager would probably not take up his post until July 1, to coincide with the new elite rugby agreement between the clubs and the union.

Former national coach Dick Best believes Ashton still has a huge amount to offer England under Johnson - but he cannot see any way Ashton would agree to continue working for the RFU.

"I find it amazing that in this day and age of human resources they have the audacity to treat someone in this fashion,'' said Best.

"Brian has a very good track record and he is probably still the best attacking coach in the country.

"I don't think he has been consulted the whole way through the process. It has been incredibly badly handled but that is in keeping with the way the RFU handle their business.

"Brian is 61. Does he need to be treated like this?

"He is a very proud man. I believe he is meeting with them today and I think Brian Ashton may well make the decision himself. I am not convinced Brian Ashton will still be around.''