Clinton Casey's 'stick together' appeal to Tigers fans
Glenn McFarlane and Rod Nicholson | April 19, 2009
CLINTON Casey has defended the Richmond board's decision to offer Terry Wallace a five-year deal as Tigers coach.
And he has urged the Tiger faithful to be patient, saying it was premature to write this season off after losses in the first three weeks.
"We thought it was the right idea (a five-year tenure) at the time," Casey said. "You only do what you think is in the best interests of the club at the time.
"We dealt with the situation at that time as I am sure they will this time as well.
"Things can turn around pretty quickly and, hopefully, that's what going to happen soon.
"There is nothing there that a couple of wins won't fix."
Casey said the club's start was disappointing for all Tiger supporters, but maintained a win against Melbourne today could get their season rolling again.
"We are only three games into a 22-game season," Casey said.
"Two of the sides the club has played are top-four sides, and we are not considered to be a top-four side.
"The Carlton game was disappointing. But 12 wins might get you into the finals and I'm sure that's still the aim."
He said he hoped the Richmond faithful could "stick together" as the club seeks its first win of the year.
Casey stood down from the role at the end of Wallace's first season in 2005, but still attends game as a supporter.
"I'll be there at the Melbourne game," he said. "I'm looking forward to a good win and hopefully that will turn the attention to someone else on Monday."
Meanwhile, Ian Wilson, who was president from 1973-85, urged Richmond to announce Wallace was safe in the job for the rest of the season.
Under Wilson's presidency the Tigers won the 1973, 1974 and 1980 premierships.
He oversaw the sacking of Tony Jewell 12 months after the 1980 flag, and Richmond has played in just three finals series since.
"That was at the end of a season, as it always should be if you are to remove a coach," Wilson said.
"You gain nothing by sacking a coach mid-season; it only causes chaos for the administration, players, members and supporters and has no long-term benefit.
"I reckon (president Gary) March should make a statement -- put it in concrete -- that Wallace will coach out this season because that would allow everyone to focus on winning games.
"The coach's contract is up at the end of the season and if there is to be a parting of the ways, that is the appropriate time.
"I have always been against sacking a coach mid-season. I remember when Melbourne sacked Norm Smith in the mid-1960s. They were on top of the ladder but didn't make the finals after his mid-season sacking. They haven't won a premiership since."
Wilson said the focus at Tigerland was on the wrong issue.
"Everyone is focusing on the coach," he said.
"Wallace must take responsibility, but the draft people and the recruiting people have a lot to answer for as well.
"The playing list is ordinary and it will take a lot of time for the club to be a force again. It has been too long already -- 29 years this season since we won a premiership -- and I think there are more lean years ahead, regardless of who is coach.
"During my time at the club we played in seven Grand Finals and won five flags.
"All anyone is interested in is how the team performs on game day. For too long it hasn't been up to standard, and I think the focus, particularly now with Wallace, is wrong.
"It looks like another long season. But the president must come out strongly -- so there is no more speculation to distract the focus from the football -- that Wallace will be there all season regardless of the results."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25352696-19742,00.html
