Catt says he has the "utmost respect" for coach Brian Ashton

The centre hit out at Ashton in his autobiography, lambasting his management style and tactics despite England reaching the World Cup final.

"I'm not apologising because what I put in there I thoroughly believe," the 36-year-old Catt told BBC Radio 4.

But he added that Ashton, 61, was a "fantastic coach" who would succeed if he had the right people around him.

Interview: Former England centre Mike Catt

"He's got a hell of a lot of knowledge on the attack side of things," said Catt, who announced his retirement from international rugby after the 15-6 loss to the Springboks.

If we take all the other things away and Brian just coaches, he's fantastic Mike Catt

"I think if they get the management around him, the coaches around him, that can help him out, he's definitely one for the job."

Ashton's contract with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) ends on 31 December.

The RFU says it has no immediate plans to offer him a new deal and wants to take its time before coming to a decision.

Director of elite rugby Rob Andrew will consult all 32 players England used during the campaign as well as the coaching staff as part of his World Cup review.

But Ashton looks likely to remain in limbo until at least 26 November, when Andrew will reveal his findings to the RFU"s Management Board at their next meeting.

World Cup-winning coach Jake White has already been linked with the post, but Catt says Ashton deserves a longer run in charge after succeeding Andy Robinson a year ago.

606: DEBATE What goes on in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room SCJ

"Brian is a very good coach," said Catt. "If we take all the other things away and Brian just coaches, he's fantastic."

Catt advocates Ashton and RFU director of elite rugby Rob Andrew working more closely together in the future.

If the RFU want to bring in someone else in a management role to help relieve Ashton of some of his duties, Catt thinks it should be an Englishman.

"I think there are good enough people in England to come in and do that job," said the South African-born star.

"I'm not saying no to Jake White, but I think we should keep it as English as possible."

Catty knows my views on this. I think he's made a mistake London Irish coach Brian Smith

At their monthly meeting on Wednesday, the RFU's Management Board voiced their "extreme disappointment" at the public criticism of Ashton by Catt and Lawrence Dallaglio, who said England resembled a "pub team".

The Board has asked Andrew and chief executive Francis Baron to review the current rules on player books, with a possible "gagging order" imposed on players in a post-tournament cooling-off period.

Catt admitted his comments, which appeared in a Sunday newspaper, were "very damning" but insisted that was the way he felt at the time.

"What that article unfortunately doesn't bring up is that I've had 15 very good years with Brian Ashton," he said. "I've got the utmost respect for him."

Catt's coach at London Irish, Brian Smith, also called the revelations "disappointing", but said he would back his captain "100%".

"Catty knows my views on this," Smith told BBC Radio Berkshire. "We've spoken at length about what's transpired and I think he's made a mistake.

"But he's an honest bloke, a terrific bloke and we're very lucky to have him at London Irish."