Coach Ivan Cleary denies disagreement led to end of Phil Gould’s tenure at Panthers
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has denied that he and Phil Gould were unable to work together but fans are missing out on the real reasons behind Gould’s departure, writes Paul Crawley.
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Ivan Cleary is adamant he played no part in Phil Gould’s shock exit from Penrith, declaring “there was no fallout”.
After one of the most dramatic weeks in the Panthers’ history, Cleary answered questions about his relationship with Gould and denied a recent incident involving a player signing was key to Gould’s request to be made redundant.
“There was no fallout. Never has been,” Cleary said at ahead of Friday’s crucial clash against South Sydney.
“I have known Gus for almost 25 years. He has been a huge part of my life and my career as a player and a coach.”
SCROLL DOWN FOR PAUL CRAWLEY’S ANALYSIS
There are reports an internal power struggle came to a head last week when Cleary found out Gould had extended the contract of a player without consulting the head coach.
It was claimed that was the straw that ultimately broke the camel’s back but Cleary denied there had been any “blow ups”.
“I have never had a blow up with Gus in my life,” Cleary said.
“I know it seems like a nice narrative.But Gus has always said that this role that he is in will come to an end at some point.
“I certainly respect that decision and feel indebted that it is now our job as a staff and me leading that staff to take it from here.
“I have heard things about power struggles. If anyone knows me the last thing I am ever going to do is get involved in a power struggle.
“I understand that I am the coach but I love collaboration. I would always lean on anyone for advice but certainly someone I respect.”
And Cleary was adamant the one thing he has always had for Gould was respect.
“He has taught me more about rugby league than anyone else, probably daylight second,” Cleary added.
He also denied the fact Gould had previously sacked him had any negative impact on their recent working relationship, and that Cleary had only returned to Penrith on the proviso Gould was not allowed to interfere with football operations.
“I actually made this clear I think a couple of weeks ago,” Cleary said.
“There was never any discussion about that.
“I have leaned on Gus throughout my playing career and my coaching career. I have spoken to him when he wasn’t even involved in the club I was in.
“I have always asked for his support, why wouldn’t I?
“Most of my coaching principles and foundations have come from what I learned under him. It makes no sense. It never happened.
“Obviously I left here before, it was Gus’ decision at the time (to sack Cleary). It was under his governance that he could make that call and he felt that was in the best interests I guess for me and the club at the time.
“And I have gone on record, I respected that. I didn’t agree with it but that was okay. I would never have come back if I couldn’t have got on with him or if there was going to be dramas.”
Cleary said he did not feel more pressure now Gould was gone.
“I take this position and responsibility I am in very seriously,” he said.
“A lot of the stuff I do and I believe in has come from learning under Gus. He will leave a void here that we probably don’t even realise what that is just yet because you can’t replace someone like Gus.
“As a man and as a professional there is just no one really like him.”
LISTEN! Matty with Paul Kent and James Hooper dissect the spin behind Phil Gould’s exit from the Panthers and reveal just how one match at Parramatta’s new stadium has completely changed the Sydney rugby league scene.
GOULD DRAMA AS CLEARY AS MUD
Analysis by Paul Crawley
IT is getting harder and harder to know who is telling the truth and who is spreading the “misinformation”.
When we look back on the timeline that ultimately sunk Phil Gould, it all went down about the same time Ivan Cleary was still trying to convince Wests Tigers fans he was going nowhere.
It is understood Gould had two meetings with Wayne Bennett around the time of the naming of the rugby league Immortals early last August.
About a week after, Cleary came out with an accusation aimed at the media.
“I’ve been very disappointed with the amount of misinformation surrounding myself and my family this week,” Cleary said at the time. “I am honouring my contract.”
What has been revealed since is Gould had basicallome to an agreement with Bennett, only to be overruled by his board, even though Cleary claimed he was going nowhere.
I just hope Cleary starts giving some straight answers to Penrith fans. He said recently: “I was open and honest with everyone that needed to know.”
Yet fans are expected to turn up and pay their hard-earned to support the team. Now Cleary has had his win over Gould, it leaves him seemingly in a powerful position, but with history against him.
Cleary takes on Bennett on Friday night night and I wonder who Gould will be cheering. Bennett already has seven premierships and is now chasing another with South Sydney positioned in the top four.
Penrith have two wins from six games and Fox Sports Stats shows no coach has ever gone more than 250 games before winning their maiden title.
Cleary has coached 301 games for an overall winning percentage of 46.8 per cent.
Only time will tell who won this war.
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