Get-out clause a worry for Dimma: KBJoshua Papanikolaou
SEN
03 May 2016, 12:55PMKevin Bartlett is greatly concerned that a reported get-out clause included in Richmond coach Damien Hardwick’s new contract means that his future is very uncertain.
A horrific start to the season has the Tigers scrambling to find some form and also devise a vision they can sell to the supporter base that the short-term future is still a positive one.
“Now, after reading Patrick Smith in The Australian today I’m worried about Damien Hardwick’s future as coach of Richmond,” said Bartlett on SEN radio.
“Patrick tells us the two-year extension the Tigers gave their coach has an escape clause for the club.
“That tells me that extension was given without full confidence in their man.
“Yesterday I said the decision to extend Hardwick’s contract was an inspired one, for it took the heat off the coach and onto other aspects of the club.
“But now it’s the coach who is under the pump.
“The next two games against Hawthorn and Sydney could be life and death for Hardwick – the players better respond and lift their output.”
The former Tigers star believes this changes the whole dynamic surrounding the amount of pressure Hardwick is actually on to immediately win games.
“Well, it has surprised me, I think that would surprise most Richmond fans,” said Bartlett.
“This changes the whole scenario for the club, the games coming up, the win/loss ratio because they can tip out the coach.”
Patrick Smith suggested that the get-out clause for the club was not as dramatic and that it could still have been included with the board having their full support of the coach.
“Yes there is, but a get-out clause in a coach’s contract means nothing much given they’re sacked every second week anyway,” he said.
“It doesn’t take a get-out clause to move on a coach… it can save some money… but I don’t think anybody would expect Dimma to be there next year if they finish four and eighteen or something.
“I think they’re just clever, protecting themselves.”
http://www.sen.com.au/news/04-16/get-out-clause-a-worry-for-dimma-kb