St Kilda is pleased to announce that Alan Richardson has been appointed the club’s senior coach for a three year term.
The club has reached an agreement with Port Adelaide to allow Richardson to leave his role with the Power acknowledging that the timing of this announcement presented some challenges for them. The agreement with Port Adelaide provides for a contribution to the associated costs with finding a replacement for Richardson.
The 48-year-old played 114 games for Collingwood and is an experienced hand in AFL coaching circles, having served in coaching roles with Port Adelaide, Essendon, Carlton, the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood. Richardson's player development role throughout his career makes him well credentialed to work with the emerging talent at the Saints.
Richardson has also served as senior coach at VFL team Coburg from 2001 and 2003 after a stint as coach of metropolitan Melbourne team East Burwood.
Richardson was appointed the St Kilda coach by a panel comprising Saints Head of Football Chris Pelchen, board members Andrew Thompson and Danni Roche, former Saint Jason Blake, former Geelong captain Tom Harley and consulting psychologist Matti Clements.
St Kilda President Peter Summers welcomed Richardson to the Saints.
“Alan has displayed all the attributes and qualities that we believe will hold him in good stead for the role as St Kilda senior coach,” Summers said.
"We appreciate the cooperation of Port Adelaide given their situation."
“We welcome Alan to the club as we continue on our journey to achieve our ultimate goal.”
