Brian Ashton will discover what future, if any, he has as England's head coach when Rob Andrew fronts a specially-convened management board meeting at Twickenham today.

Andrew is expected to propose Martin Johnson, the World Cup-winning captain, as England's new hands-on team manager, an appointment which may well undermine Ashton's position.

He had been 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. That changed after the RBS 6 Nations, when concern among officials at the Rugby Football Union over England's inconsistent performances grew.

Andrew was given the green light to recruit Johnson, who is unlikely to accept the role, unless he is granted full control over England affairs. That would leave Ashton, who took England to the World Cup final last autumn and their best Six Nations finish in five years, in limbo having lost his powers of selection and his authority. Were that scenario to pan out, Ashton could build a strong case for constructive dismissal.

The RFU have insisted they want Ashton to remain on board, but critics describe the union's treatment of the head coach as "appalling". Dick Best, former national coach, believes Ashton still has plenty to offer England under Johnson, but cannot see any way Ashton would agree to continue working for the RFU.

"It is 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 all the whole way through the process. It has been 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.

"I think Brian Ashton may well make the decision himself. I am not convinced he will still be around." Best added: "I used to think football was bad. Look at the facade we had when England appointed their last two football managers. We are going down the same route."