Unfortunately for Andy Robinson, England's players are not entitled to vote for their next head coach. But yesterday they left Twickenham's committee men no doubt who they want to succeed Sir Clive Woodward on a permanent basis.
Speaking at the 02 Scrum in the Park event in London, several of the squad were effusive in their praise for Robinson's first training sessions - reckoned to be brutally intense - as acting head coach.
"Yes, it's hard, but I'm enjoying it," explained the scrum-half Andy Gomersall. "It's more laissez-faire than in the past, more unpredictable. And when you enjoy training you play better."
Another noticeable change, according to the players, is how Robinson has grown into the role during his four training days with the squad at Loughborough.
"Robbo's relishing it," explained the centre Mike Tindall. "As a coach he does everything like he did on the pitch: he runs headlong into everything, taking the challenge on, really enjoying getting stuck in."
As for Robinson, he preferred to play the straightest of bats ahead of a meeting with the Rugby Football Union to discuss his future on Thursday.
"I've no issues with having to do a presentation to get the job," he insisted. "If that's what I'll have to do, I'll do it. In the meantime, I'm planning for the long-term. I've already spoken to the players, told them the qualities I'm looking for and the environment I want.
"I want to win every match. Our focus will be on performing well in the autumn internationals and then hopefully winning the grand slam. I want to play three or four different ways. I want to be able to play with width, but also I want a tough, skilful pack, too."
That's easier said than done, of course, as England go into the autumn internationals having lost five of their last six matches, and with the professional poo-pooers questioning the depth and quality of the squad.
However, the players seem convinced that the creative fug that marred England's post-Rugby World Cup performances will soon dissipate when they play Canada at Twickenham on November 13.
"It's not an excuse, but until this summer most of us had only two weeks off in three years," explained the lock-forward Ben Kay. "Having a proper break has really recharged all our batteries.
"Another reason why we didn't play so well last season was that we were so scared of losing that we didn't actually go out to win the game," he added. "We didn't stamp our authority on the games. We went out trying not to make mistakes and you can't do that in international rugby."
Sadly for the 10,000 boisterous fans who gathered to watch Robinson put his side through their paces at Regent's Park yesterday, there was no sign of England's newly appointed captain, Jonny Wilkinson.
However Martin Johnson, his chest as puffed with pride as it was last November in Sydney, was around to receive a prolonged ovation - and to give a qualified backing to Robinson's claims for the head coach's role.
"I'm sure he's the right man," he said before adding quickly, "but he and the players will get judged by their performances on the field. This is top-level sport and it's all about being successful."
Meanwhile, Robinson, with a glint in his eye and an unmistakable fire in his belly, had a stark message for England supporters. "Look, Johnno, Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Back are great guys," he insisted. "Top players, too. But we keep harping back to the Rugby World Cup. We've got to move on."
