Promising a global search only to promote the person who was already in the building presents an optical issue. Particularly when that bloke, in this case Gilmore, has a grand total of two league wins this season.
There are mitigating factors behind Quins’ rotten season, but in footballing terms it would be the equivalent of Tottenham Hotspur giving interim head coach Igor Tudor a five-year contract as manager. Certainly, there was no upsurge in champagne corks being popped around the Harlequins supporter base – beyond the standard fare for a Tuesday night in Surrey – in reaction to the announcement of the club’s new coaching structure.
So why have Harlequins, who had been linked with a number of big names, placed so much faith in a coach who has an 18 per cent winning record?
‘He can get the best out of this group’
Firstly, Gilmore is immensely popular with the players, such as England wing Cadan Murley, who were consulted about the appointment.
“His work ethic – he is first in, last out to leave the building,” said Murley. “But his biggest thing was his relationships with all the players, whether you are a first-year academy player or senior captain like Alex Dombrandt, he has a brilliant relationship with all the players.
“I think with this team around him now, he can really get the best out of this group and have a clear vision going forward. I can understand the frustration but the fact you have that alignment and willingness to fight for your coach – I think that this is a massive marker of who you want to have in charge.”