Neil Balme says Richmond must have a vision for future success as he takes over

NEW Richmond football manager Neil Balme starts on Monday and has vowed to enforce plans for Tigers’ success in the future.

Neil Balme starts at Richmond on Monday. Picture: Calum Robertson

NEW Richmond football manager Neil Balme has vowed to enforce future plans for Tigers’ success.

The former Collingwood and Geelong boss, who starts Monday at Punt Road, will inject new life into Richmond’s embattled football department.

Balme has already met with Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, football manager Dan Richardson and chief executive Brendon Gale.

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“Nothing will happen immediately but there’s just got to be a plan to all the things we do,” Balme said.

“One thing in footy you know is that the way you’ll get somewhere is actually ‘let’s have a vision to do something’ (and) ‘let’s plan to do it’ and then stick to the plan - then you’ve got a chance.

“You just got to make a heap of decisions in a row and all of a sudden you’ll finish up (alright), but if you really you’re not sure where you’re going, if you’re waiting for something to happen and then reacting all the time, that’s when you’re in a bit of strife.”

Neil Balme and Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley.

Balme flagged his intention to run a rule over Richmond’s playing stocks.

“You really don’t know (the players from the outside looking in) ... where do you think they are? Where can they go? Where can they get to? Who have you given up on, if any? Who do you need to work on?” Balme told SEN.

“Someone new coming in is good for them ... so you get all the preconceptions out and say OK where are we with it?”

Balme stopped short of providing a prediction on where he believes Richmond can finish next season.

“You can’t afford to tell your people take the next couple of years off, we’re going to rebuild something because everyone from Hawthorn to Essendon are rebuilding, you got to be rebuilding always, it’s just a matter to what extent.”

The 1973-74 Richmond premiership star said his return to Punt Road couldn’t have been easier.

“As it’s turned out, something that could have been quite difficult has been pretty good from my point of view in terms of my relationship with the people at Collingwood and the great opportunity to go back to the Tigers which I probably thought would never happen - it’s worked pretty well for me really.”

Originally published as Neil Balme says Richmond must have a vision for future success as he takes over