http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/s ... 7454566982
St Kilda re-signs coach Alan Richardson for two years
JON RALPH HERALD SUN JULY 23, 2015 9:25 PM
ALAN Richardson has declared he wants to be St Kilda’s second premiership coach after signing a new two-year contract extension.
The Herald Sun can reveal St Kilda has handed the 50-year-old a deal that will lock him away until the end of 2018.
Richardson told the Herald Sun on Thursday he was determined to be at the club when the young list turned into a premiership force.
“I am incredibly honoured. I am excited because I am really confident about they way we are going,’’ he said.
“I am confident there is enormous clarity around what we are doing and it’s always been a dream of mine to coach but that goes pretty quick.
“It goes from getting the job, to doing it, to ‘Right, I want to win it’.
“I want our footy club to win its second premiership. I want to be part of that and a fairly significant part of that.
“That drives everything we do and it’s really important that you can remove me (as a question mark), that they think he’s the bloke and we are confident about him.
“If you don't have stability and clarity of vision at your footy club, it’s just down to luck.”
His young charges were expected to win this year’s wooden spoon again but instead have shocked the footy world with five wins so far.
He believes with two more strong drafts and some free agency acquisitions next year they will set themselves up for a sustained charge.
St Kilda has locked away its elite youngsters and free agent Jack Steven, with negotiations on a deal for midfield revelation David Armitage well progressed.
And Richardson believes captain Nick Riewoldt could continue playing for years to come given his amazing form.
Riewoldt has battled with a calf injury this year on a limited pre-season given the trauma of his sister’s death.
He is contracted until the end of next year but Richardson says the 32-year-old could play on past next year.
“This year has been an unreal year. It’s been incredibly challenging for reasons we understand and his preparation hasn’t been the norm.
“But I defy anyone to be able to play as well as he has on the preparation he has had, both physically and emotionally.
“He has got a cranky knee but as long as he still wants to play and understands his role, which he does, there is a chance he could continue on to play beyond his existing contract.”
St Kilda chief executive Matt Finnis said last night Richardson had impressed across every level at the Saints.
“What you love about Richo’s leadership is it is incredibly authentic and you can see it. The fans have warmed to his honesty and openness.
“With Richo what you see is what you get. The board made a smart decision when they appointed Richo 18 months ago so to extend him now for an extra two years based on everything we have learnt about him already, it was very easy but also a smart decision.
“It also really aligns with the journey we are on towards 2018.
“He is a great communicator and teacher of players regardless of what stage they are on in their carers and he has a relentless pursuit of excellence and a standard he is driving for players on and off the field.”
#stability