Thunder got to a point where it could have been sink or swim and they stuck to their unit and that is of great credit to the coaches - they found a system to suit their players who may not be in the positions we are used to seeing them. The words transition and stopgap have been used to describe Newcastle's next appointment, and the idea may have put some managers off the job entirely. History suggests whoever does take the hot seat could find themselves cast aside when the availability of more illustrious names becomes too alluring to resist. While Rutherford and the rest of Deen's team remain in Europe preparing for the start of the World Cup season in Innsbruck next month, Deen is currently in Beijing where he is getting to grips with the new Olympic track. "Just being around players who want the same thing I do and are so skilful and strong has pushed me on to get where I am. If I hadn't made that move, I don't think I'd be in the England squad for this weekend."