Richmond CEO Brendon Gale discusses re-signing Damien Hardwick with Francis Leech and David Schwarz.
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Gale: We believe Hardwick will only get betterJohn Takemura
SEN
17 Mar 2016With a new contract locked away, Damien Hardwick can continue to evolve as Richmond coach, according to CEO Brendon Gale.
He says before re-signing there were many things the club had to consider.
“We’re pretty consistent in the way we evaluate our entire coaching panel, but when you look at their technical ability and the game plan and their ability to execute, their ability to lead, manage and communication skills that’s what we look at,” said Gale on SEN Breakfast with Frank and Ox.
“These sorts of things are pretty standard and I guess we just formed the view that we believe Damien’s a good coach now, given where he’s taken the club over the past few years.
“More importantly we believe given his profile he’s the sort of coach that is only going to get better and on that basis we were pretty keen to back him in.”
Gale admits it was pleasing to get the contract signed before next week’s season opener against Carlton.
“Pretty pleasing, it was substantially done a little while ago, but there were a few I’s to dot and a few T’s to cross. Certainly good to take off the table,” he said.
He says while specific goals have been set, Hardwick’s main focus to continue growing the team towards a premiership tilt.
“We’ve got different specific goals year in, year out but I think the important thing is we want the team to continue to evolve,” said Gale.
“We’ve played three successive finals and that didn’t end well, but the fact is we need to bear down the next few years and become a legitimate contender.
“It takes a fair bit of work and it’s a shared responsibility.”
Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett praised the Tigers for having the courage to offer a multi-year extension, compared to some other clubs in recent weeks.
“The Tigers didn’t hedge their bets like the Pies and Lions, they know Hardwick is the man for the job and have now given him their full support,” he said on Hungry for Sport
“Hardwick can take the club in the direction he wants without looking over his shoulder.
“Everyone at Tigerland has long term direction in place.”
http://www.sen.com.au/news/afl/03-16/gale-we-believe-hardwick-will-only-get-better#WEHrhsl5DJTdUDf1.97
