By Paddy Higgs
June 3rd 2009 @ 4:45am
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Wanted: new coach to star in Richmond soap opera
Richmond's coach Terry Wallace during the AFL Round 02 match between the Geelong Cats and the Richmond Tigers at Skilled Stadium. Slattery Images
The Terry Wallace soap opera might be finally settled, but expect the frenetic speculation on his replacement at Richmond to take its monopoly on the sports pages. You get the feeling that the Melbourne press has been waiting for the first coach to topple, particularly given that a number of coaches are out of contract at season’s end.
It’s been debated far and wide as to what the Tigers actually need in a coach. Some believe they require an experienced, old-style authoritarian to weed out the players not capable of taking the side forward.
There may be a few of these coaches available, albeit not at the moment.
Seven coaches are out of contract at season’s end: Mick Malthouse, Rodney Eade and Mark Williams among them.
All three would be capable of making their mark on an impressionable playing group, while the unemployed Leigh Matthews would be another candidate.
Others view – even at the risk of experience – a young, energetic appointment as the right way to guide the club through what is likely to be a rough couple of seasons.
Whatever happens, it appears likely the Richmond board will keep its options open for 2010.
A young caretaker coach – fitting the latter category – will be announced soon, charged with taking the club through this season. Wayne Campbell appears favourite, with fellow assistants Jade Rawlings, Craig McRae and David King also in the running.
How whoever is appointed fares for the remainder of 2009 will go a long way to deciding the Tigers’ direction for the next five years.
If the caretaker does manage to realign the side in a positive direction, then indications are he’ll be given a chance to extend his tenure past this season.
This is a positive.
After being dogged by speculation for almost the entire season to date, a little bit of stability is just what Richmond need. A coach – particularly one in his first job – needs that even more.
But if the Tigers fail to improve, and appear as rudderless as under Wallace, then the board may well shift its target to that experienced coach.
And with the likes of Malthouse and Williams yet to re-sign at their clubs – plus Nathan Buckley’s possible availability – the Tigers shouldn’t be short of options.
Whatever happens, stay tuned. Remember, it is Richmond we’re talking about.
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(5)
BIGfootBALLS said | June 3rd 2009 @ 9:22am | Report comment
Poor old Terry Wallace. Someone give the bloke a hug.
Jim of Altona East said | June 3rd 2009 @ 9:36am | Report comment
Malthouse to Richmond and Buckley to Collingwood? Michael Voss coming straight out of commentating to coaching has proven an AFL coach these days is more a manager who makes sure his crew (the assistant coaches) are doing their jobs. Bucks wouldn’t be out of his depth.
Richmond is a high profile club who needs a high profile coach – which could be bad news for Campbell / Rawlings/ King / McRae / Royal who are more than qualified to take on the job.
Also, if Brian Choco Royal doesn’t get this gig, he’ll never get one. He has been in a position at three clubs now where the former Bulldog from Bairnsdale has had a chance to get the top gig. My tip is the Tigers would go for someone young and energetic to take the young side towards 3-4 years’ time.
I’m sure the Tiger faithful would love to have their former greats in King or Campbell at the helm.
Redb said | June 3rd 2009 @ 9:46am | Report comment
Jim,
King is a former North Melb player not Richmond.
Agree on Voss doing a great job proving a few doubter wrong about new senior coaches in their first year. I really can’t see why Matlhoise would leave Collingwood, they’re gunna win the flag this yearnow, didn’t you get the email?
Agree on Brian Royal he has been around the traps in the assistant role for many years, perhaps for a reason.
It is sure to be a coaching merry go around, even new GC coach Guy Mckenna mas been mooted as a good candidate for Richmond. Wouldn’t like to see Wallace go to GC as head coach in a direct swap.
Redb
Pippinu said | June 3rd 2009 @ 10:08am | Report comment
It is a bit of soap opera at Tigerland.
Oh well, better them than my club.
Wug said | June 3rd 2009 @ 12:42pm | Report comment
Let’s just hope that the appointed coach (whether he is temporary or not) is given support by players, club and supporters and then Richmond can finally focus on playing!