Alan Richardson wore a club polo to his sacking as St Kilda coach, and sat in front of a club sponsors backdrop. In the wings sat his wife and sons, at the back a group of players. If you didnt know better, youd think this was a beginning, not an end.
Sacking coaches mid-season is a remarkably civil business these days. North Melbourne and Carlton must have passed on the template. Then again, the Saints have had more practice at it than most. By one count on Tuesday, Richardson was the 45th to come and go. One, in a very St Kilda twist, was replaced by a member of the board who appointed and then sacked him. At least this one went out the front door.
Alan Richardson at his exit press conference.Credit:Justin McManus
As per the template, once the scene was set, the platitudes flowed. Chief executive Matt Finnis commended Richardson on his tenure, and said he was certain the club was in a better place than when he arrived. Richardson, too, said he was proud of his time and efforts, but that he understood the decision. Both said they were supremely confident in the Saints future.
Through nearly half an hour of questioning, coach and chief executive agreed on most things, or at worst only politely disagreed. Finnis said that throughout what had been an emotional year at St Kilda, he and Richardson had grown closer still.
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Only once did tension surface. In the beginning, Finnis had welcomed Richardsons family. Asked about them later, Richardson said he had instructed Finnis not to mentioned them, and baulked the question for fear of bursting into tears. The moment quickly passed.
Doubtlessly all this mutual respect and courtliness was genuine. But the words and the pictures were out of sync, or rather, the words and pictures were out of sync with the mood. Richardson said all the right things, but in a low and weary voice that sometimes caught. Finnis, too, was sombre. This was St Kilda and their coach parting ways again.
Theyre a star-crossed club. He in a way is a star-crossed figure. He gave Collingwood yeoman backline service for 10 years, but when the Magpies made the grand final in 1990 and won their first premiership for 32 years, he was out with a cracked collarbone. His final pretension to fitness was blown away when coach Leigh Matthews gave him a hefty bump as they walked off the training track.
Richardson diligently worked his way up the scales in coaching until he got the St Kilda job. Seasons of promise ensued, but no finals. Last season was a disaster, this one began brightly, but has become a nightmare in a uniquely St Kilda way. Have a look at who has been barely there or not at all, and why: Jack Steven (mental health), Paddy McCartin (chronic concussion), Dylan Roberton (heart irregularity), Dan Hannebery (recruited despite known ailments). All are or would be in the Saints best five.
Jack Billings, Sam Rowe and Blake Acres watch and listen as coach Alan Richardson steps down.Credit:Justin McManus
The SaintsRead More – Source
Alan Richardson wore a club polo to his sacking as St Kilda coach, and sat in front of a club sponsors backdrop. In the wings sat his wife and sons, at the back a group of players. If you didnt know better, youd think this was a beginning, not an end.
Sacking coaches mid-season is a remarkably civil business these days. North Melbourne and Carlton must have passed on the template. Then again, the Saints have had more practice at it than most. By one count on Tuesday, Richardson was the 45th to come and go. One, in a very St Kilda twist, was replaced by a member of the board who appointed and then sacked him. At least this one went out the front door.
Alan Richardson at his exit press conference.Credit:Justin McManus
As per the template, once the scene was set, the platitudes flowed. Chief executive Matt Finnis commended Richardson on his tenure, and said he was certain the club was in a better place than when he arrived. Richardson, too, said he was proud of his time and efforts, but that he understood the decision. Both said they were supremely confident in the Saints future.
Through nearly half an hour of questioning, coach and chief executive agreed on most things, or at worst only politely disagreed. Finnis said that throughout what had been an emotional year at St Kilda, he and Richardson had grown closer still.
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Only once did tension surface. In the beginning, Finnis had welcomed Richardsons family. Asked about them later, Richardson said he had instructed Finnis not to mentioned them, and baulked the question for fear of bursting into tears. The moment quickly passed.
Doubtlessly all this mutual respect and courtliness was genuine. But the words and the pictures were out of sync, or rather, the words and pictures were out of sync with the mood. Richardson said all the right things, but in a low and weary voice that sometimes caught. Finnis, too, was sombre. This was St Kilda and their coach parting ways again.
Theyre a star-crossed club. He in a way is a star-crossed figure. He gave Collingwood yeoman backline service for 10 years, but when the Magpies made the grand final in 1990 and won their first premiership for 32 years, he was out with a cracked collarbone. His final pretension to fitness was blown away when coach Leigh Matthews gave him a hefty bump as they walked off the training track.
Richardson diligently worked his way up the scales in coaching until he got the St Kilda job. Seasons of promise ensued, but no finals. Last season was a disaster, this one began brightly, but has become a nightmare in a uniquely St Kilda way. Have a look at who has been barely there or not at all, and why: Jack Steven (mental health), Paddy McCartin (chronic concussion), Dylan Roberton (heart irregularity), Dan Hannebery (recruited despite known ailments). All are or would be in the Saints best five.
Jack Billings, Sam Rowe and Blake Acres watch and listen as coach Alan Richardson steps down.Credit:Justin McManus
The SaintsRead More – Source
