Vickery and Ashton enjoyed a good relationship for England

England captain Phil Vickery has criticised the treatment of out-going head coach Brian Ashton by the Rugby Football Union.

Ashton was axed as head coach this week following Martin Johnson's appointment as team manager.

Vickery told the Daily Telegraph: "The way Brian has been treated has not been great. He did heroic things for England and that should not be forgotten.

"There's nothing wrong with trying to have a bit of common decency."

He added: "They say it's a professional sport but old-fashioned manners don't go amiss."

Ashton led England to the World Cup final last year but is now set to accept a role as head coach of the National Academy.

The RFU have been criticised for their handling of the whole affair amid claims that Ashton was not kept informed of developments and they have admitted mistakes were made during the process of appointing Johnson.

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"We haven't handled the process as well as we should have done," said RFU chief executive Francis Baron.

"There have been too many people involved in the process - too much unofficial briefings - and that has made Rob's job very difficult.

"It has been hurtful to Brian, so I am not pleased about the situation.

"The good part about it is that the new agreement (between the RFU and Premiership clubs) kicks in on 1 July.

The PGB (Professional Game Board) starts on 1 July, and then we have a streamlined structure in place.

"Unfortunately, we still had to go through the old processes on this one. It is long and very leaky because so many people were involved.

I've spoken to Martin and whatever happens with the captaincy is not an issue Phil Vickery

"I don't like picking up the newspapers and reading the fairly acerbic criticism of the RFU."

Vickery, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, played under captain Johnson when England won the 2003 World Cup.

And he insists he is not concerned he may be replaced as skipper in the new set-up.

"There will be tough times ahead and they've got to give Martin all that he needs and back him all the way," said the Wasps prop.

"He needs to know that he's got support because there are big decisions to make.

"I've spoken to Martin and whatever happens with the captaincy is not an issue. He will have his ideas on all that in his own time. I just want to keep performing and keep pushing."