John Mitchell has been cleared of all the misconduct charges made by the Golden Lions and will return to work, according to his lawyer.
Mitchell was suspended by the Lions earlier in the year after a series of complaints were made by players regarding his conduct.
After spending time with Sale Sharks as a consultant, he has been heavily linked with a full-time role at the English club but now is aiming to return to work with the Lions according to his lawyer Brian Patterson.
"John is elated with the outcome and feels that his position and reputation as an international coach has been fully vindicated," read a statement from Mitchell's management agency
"He is looking forward to returning to Ellis Park as head coach to assist the Lions to achieve their full potential."
Mitchell took the Lions to Currie Cup success in 2011, but a dismal Super Rugby campaign follow in 2012 and the former All Blacks head coach was suspended after allegations of abusive language and forcing injured players to take part in matches.
One of Mitchell's former players, flanker Jonathan Mokuena, tweeted his anger at the prospect of Mitchell returning to work with the Lions on Monday.
"that will be the biggest mistake in SA Rugby if you allow that demon back in Lions rugby..." Tweeted the Griquas loose forward.
Despite declaring his allegiance to the Lions, Mitchell continues to be linked with a full-time role at Sale Sharks. Local newspaper the Manchester Evening News reported on Wednesday that Mitchell could be back at Sale "possibly as soon as next week."
Comments
Spartacus says...
Mitchell is a good coach and does get results. Given their continued failures in Super Rugby, they should expect to have to work bloody hard to get better. And if the players cant accept this, and a little bit of bad language, then they should be playing netball with the other girls. Man up!
Posted 11:04 09th November 2012
missionary says...
Mitchell should go and get a job at a local council / municipality as a middle manager. They talk the same language and are equally effective.
Posted 01:12 09th November 2012
guthrie67 says...
Not Many coaches finish on a happy note. -
Laurie Mains Otago
Ewen Mckenzie is still waiting
Foley with NSW
Canberra has not got a good track record
Pat Lam in Akld
Posted 19:25 08th November 2012
geoff332 says...
None of John Mitchell's coaching appointments have ended well. If I were a club, I would look very closely at his record before appointing him.
Posted 14:04 08th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
Demon eh...
Him and Steve Diamond together at Sale... match and powder keg baby. It'll be entertaining in the same way as watching a cracking demolition derby.
Posted 10:56 08th November 2012