Richo's departure was needed, but the timing was awful

While not unexpected, Alan Richardson’s sudden departure is unfitting and almost rude.

I’m a St Kilda member, so the following is coming from a supporter’s point of view.

Richo, oh Richo. You bought us times of jubilation. The 2016 season was a good season.

While like others it had its moments of disappointment and angst, 2016 was a perfect example of what Richardson bought to the table.

Richo’s departure is not unexpected, in fact I was in favour of parting ways amicably at the end of the season, as the on-field performances don’t warrant what we as members expect from the players and the administration.

But in Richardson’s defence, he inherited a less than useful list in 2014, and in the 2019 season, has an injury list longer than the road through the Nullarbor.

But Richardson is a professional, and in the 2016 season, his professionalism shined, taking every match week by week.

To our disappointment, the Saints missed finals by percentage only in 2016, and the club hasn’t been able to recover since then.

(AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)

But Richardson should have been allowed the opportunity to coach the season out.

The media hunt on Richardson’s back should not sway decisions-makers in the club.

Yes, the Saints season started well, going 4-1. But since then, they have gone 2-9. Not good numbers by any standard.

However, Richardson should have been given the chance to coach out his own season, and as the Saints’ second longest-serving coach, he deserves at least that much respect.

As supporters, we need to understand that when pressure is applied to the coaching staff, expectations rise, which are unwarranted.

Richardson is a cool and calm worker, professionalism runs in his veins.

During his press conference on Tuesday, you could see and hear the love he has for the club. Richardson only wanted what was best for the club.

Unfortunately for Richo, the board felt he needed to leave immediately.

The timing of this is absolutely wrong. It’s degrading and emotionally haunting when you start coaching a season only to have any belief removed in almost an instant.

If you start a job, you should be given to opportunity to finish it.

Richardson has navigated his way from a nothing list, through major injuries to key players, to commercial problems off field and a major move from Seaford back to Moorabbin.

The headlines should at least be reading ‘Alan Richardson has parted ways with St Kilda’ and not the other way around.

It’s now up to the players to show some passion and spirit and honour Richardson’s dedication to the club by giving the remaining six games of the year a fair crack.

And if not for him, the members deserve hope that the club will have a renewed pre-season and strong start to next year.

So, to Alan, thank you. To his family, who have given the Saints so much of his time, thank you.

I hope you continue to serve the footballing world with the same dedication you did to the St Kilda Football Club, and I wish you well in your future.