He may feel for Ewen McKenzie but good mate Queensland coach Richard Graham has ruled out the ex-Wallabies mentor returning to the Reds in the wake of his shock resignation.
While Graham admitted he had not been able to speak to McKenzie since his friend stunned the rugby world by walking away on Saturday night, the Reds mentor empathised with his former mentor.
Graham tried to keep his emotions in check on Monday but clearly felt for the man who had lured him from the Western Force and groomed him as Reds head coach in 2013.
“I know Ewen well. As a friend and as a coach I have a lot of empathy for him,” he said.
“I have watched like everyone how the situation unfolded the last couple of days – it’s a sad time for our game.”
Asked about McKenzie returning to the Reds which he led to the 2011 Super Rugby title, Graham said: “The coaching staff for 2015 is settled here at the Reds – that’s all I have to say.”
McKenzie has already been linked to the Argentina national job or resuming a coaching career in Europe.
Graham said it had taken just weeks for Australian rugby to reach a new low point – but hoped public perception of the code could change just as quickly.
“On the back of what was a really good Super Rugby season and the NSW Waratahs winning and the Brumbies doing well, that put us in a really good position,” he said.
“It has been a short period of about four weeks (for it to unravel).
“That (recovery) will be tasked to people in a higher position than me but perception can change very quickly.
“The appointment of the right coach, a successful spring tour leading into another Super Rugby campaign – that can change the perception of where the game is at.”
DJJOFFICIAL
Guest
So because you know plenty of women who are more than capable of handling a childish act by someone makes the actual act itself ok? I doubt you know any women, but by all accounts if you would be happy for say your mother or sisters, or any other family member to receive those sorts of texts, then I would say they are in the minority. How have I run around on my 'soap box' more so than anyone else? This is an opinion based website isn't it? How do you infer from my comments that I see all women as weak? You either have a comprehension disorder, or your comments are naive attempt to make me appear to be a mysognist, which is laughable if you could read properly. By your logic, Di Patston is not smart or strong, and by no means shouldn't have been offended by the text messages. Hard to see how anyone would agree with you but that's the beauty of the Roar. Good luck to you.
Chivas
Guest
Really, he said he was leaving the reds, even if he didn't get the Wallabies coaching job. And you call me simple. How about you follow the game and actual events with the same fervor as you as flap your gums., To you it looked like a calculated risk. Great so your opinion trumps facts. Calculated risk or not, he was leaving... is that not wanting out. God save me from people with your intellect..
Chivas
Guest
I know plenty of women who are more than capable of handling a childish act by someone. Plenty. Just because you want to ride around on your soapbox being holier than thou, doesn't change the fact that Patston appears to have handled the situation much like the average receptionist might. Based on your comments, you clearly see all women as weak and in need of someone to defend them. Believe me there are plenty of strong and smart women in this world that can handle the Kurtley Beale's.
Garth
Guest
Wasn't Link in charge of the Reds before Graham?
DJJOFFICIAL
Guest
Maybe you should nominate a respected woman in your life that would be able to handle vulger text messages sent to them, or is that too mean?
Johnny Boy Jnr
Guest
The way that this is going - only Waratahs players and management will be eligible for the Wallabies
James in NZ
Guest
The way this is unfolding with the lack of support he's getting, I wouldn't be surprised if Ewen does a "Deans" and goes and coaches Argentina, just out of spite.
amused
Guest
on your bus Graham, no one, especially Queensland wants you.
Rob G
Guest
As a tahs supporter, I would love Link back at the reds. They were going backwards well before Graham took over.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
doe eyed? I haven't read anywhere that Link wanted out of the Reds regardless, although I get how a simple minded person like yourself might have come to that conclusion. To me it looked more like a calculated risk...
Chivas
Guest
That would be funny, Link slinks back to reds after dropping his bundle with the Wallabies.
Chivas
Guest
Except my doe eyed friend Nweidj.. link quit the Reds because he wanted out regardless of whether he got the wallabies job or not... or is that all lies too...
Chivas
Guest
Because we know she can't cope with that. She probably fulfills some other duties well, like disciplining players... Oh only if they aren't mean to her.
Fin
Guest
Link needs to go away and digest what has happened and come to terms with the mistakes he has made in the whole saga. If he can do this and come back the better for it I think the board should be grooming him for Pulver's job.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Agree, the Reds should hire Link as a Coaching Director overseeing Graham and Co. It maybe a step down for Link but at least it would keep him here. The guy is still a good coach.
Jez
Guest
perhaps Graham should have a look at the Reds' performances under Ewan and then under him before he shuts Link out. The Reds should be so lucky to have Ewan come back. He's a quality coach who took over a team that was distraught after getting thumped by the Lions and then he had everyone including Bill Pulver and his ARU cronies hang him out to dry from the time he failed to produce immediate results to the time that he'd had enough and called it quits. The ARU should be doing everything they can to keep him in Australia
Gonzo
Guest
Richard Graham should be demoted to the groundskeeper with Link slotting back at HC. Alternatively, I'd love Link to take charge of a team like Samoa. He would be embraced by a team like that.
Gonzo
Guest
She'll do well providing that no losers send her offensive texts.
Adsa
Guest
Link for 2015 super season when Graham is off contract.
niwdeyaj
Guest
exactly, i'd be dumping Graham for Link immediately - with the roster the Reds have and Link back in the box seat they'll give the finals a good shake next year.