Mick Malthouse distances himself from Richmond rumours by: Mark Robinson
From: Herald Sun
March 02, 2012 MICK Malthouse will not coach Richmond in 2013.
Despite the Tigers not having re-signed Damien Hardwick, they are committed to offering him a new contract, although the timing of an announcement and duration of a new deal are unknown.
Malthouse's name has been prominent in recent days after Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson on Monday urged Richmond to re-sign Hardwick to avoid speculation becoming a distraction this season.
But on Tuesday Malthouse, who has not ruled himself out of a future coaching job, distanced himself from the situation.
Asked if he expected to be contacted by the Tigers, the former Collingwood, West Coast and Footscray coach said on 3AW: "I don't know about that."
This year he is commentating on Channel 7 and 3AW and recently was announced as a Vice-Chancellors Fellow at La Trobe University, dealing in leadership development.
The Tigers, meanwhile, were perplexed by Clarkson's comments, believing they added pressure to Hardwick's situation. The comments led to questions to Malthouse on radio.
It is believed Clarkson and Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale spoke at an event on Wednesday night.
Earlier, Gale said he understood why Clarkson made his remarks.
"They are good friends professionally and personally, good loyal mates, so I can understand why 'Clarko' might make those comments," Gale said.
"People will have opinions, but we won't be supplying a running commentary on Damien, and we will make an announcement at a time of our choosing."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/mick-malthouse-distances-himself-from-richmond-rumours/story-e6frf9jf-1226286661654
