Spurned Rawlings set to leave Punt Rd
By Jennifer Witham 11:26 PM Sat 22 August, 2009
RICHMOND caretaker coach Jade Rawlings believes it will be hard for him to remain at Punt Road next year after missing out on the senior coaching position.
Rawlings, who has coached the Tigers since round 12 following the resignation of Terry Wallace, was told on Friday he was no longer considered a candidate for the full-time role.
Despite having a year to run on his current contract, he said he understood it would be difficult to work with the new coach after his experience this year.
"There's a fair bit of water to go under the bridge as far as who gets appointed," he said after Richmond's 42-point loss to Hawthorn on Saturday night.
"I personally would think it would be hard for someone who gets appointed to have me around because of my passion for the job and my attachment to this group.
"Someone [else] may think I've got some sort of worth.
"That will work itself out I'm sure."
Rawlings joked he "wanted to kill" the club's general manager of football Craig Cameron when he was informed of the selection panel's decision to pursue other candidates.
He also said he hoped his experience at the helm of the Richmond side would help him obtain a future senior coaching role.
"I was genuinely disappointed. Craig and I have a terrific relationship and he supported me right throughout his time at the club and in particular throughout this period. He's been great," he said.
"After the initial disappointment and a bit of anger that I'd missed out, the positives of the opportunity come out to no end.
"The club made a very courageous stance to give me an opportunity, considering my experience, and I'll be forever grateful for that.
"No one can ever take away the fact I've been able to coach 11 league games and have a book full of experience in the situations I've been exposed to.
"It was tough to hear the news but I'm sure the club will make a great decision and I genuinely wish the club well moving forward because there are a lot of great people who work there.
"Hopefully it's set up the chance for me to be a senior coach in the future."
Rawlings said he was indebted to the club for giving him the opportunity to coach both the VFL and AFL sides after his retirement in 2006.
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