Collingwood CEO Gary Pert tells Magpies players Nathan Buckley will coach until end of the season
UPDATE: COLLINGWOOD chief executive Gary Pert has met with the Magpies’ entire playing list to discuss the club’s future — but what does that mean for Nathan Buckley?
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EXCLUSIVE: COLLINGWOOD has told its entire playing group it has no intentions of making changes to the club’s football program, which by extension includes coach Nathan Buckley, in the final seven weeks of the home-and-away season.
The Herald Sun this morning revealed chief executive Gary Pert, on behalf of the board, addressed the players and the football department behind closed doors at the Holden Centre today.
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In the wake of speculation Buckley could be replaced or walk away from the role within the next two weeks, Pert took the extraordinary step of reassuring the group that no decision was imminent on the club’s on-field operations.
It is understood Pert did not specifically refer to Buckley in the address, telling the group there would be no decision on any aspect of the football program until season’s end.
The developments were believed to have been designed to give the players greater certainty - and better clarity - as they approach the last third of the home-and-away season.
Buckley, who attended the meeting, said he hoped the move would allow the players to maintain their focus for the rest of the season, starting with Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
He rejected recent speculation he could walk away from the club before the end of the season.
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“I’ve been told by the board that there’s no decision until the end of the season and the players are aware of that, the footy program’s aware of that and I suppose for what it’s worth it just helps us maintain our focus week by week over the next seven week period,” Buckley said.
“It was my intention and my understanding all along so I suppose it’s good to be validated by the board. I knew exactly where it sat but the fact it’s been reinforced doesn’t hurt.
“I have no intent on that (resigning before the end of the season) at this point of proceedings.
“Those discussions are for the end of the season.”
Collingwood senior players Taylor Adams and Adam Treloar both suggested this week the controversy over Buckley’s plight had been a distraction to their on-field fortunes.
Those comments came after the coach said the club may have hit a “tipping point” in last week’s disappointing loss to Essendon.
Collingwood has won only five matches so far this season, sits 15th on the ladder, and faces a tricky assignment against Gold Coast.
President Eddie McGuire is expected to fly back into the country after an overseas trip later this week.
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