Dual Tigers premiership player Neil Balme linked to vacant football manager position at Richmond

RICHMOND is likely to start the season without a football manager.

RICHMOND is likely to start the season without a football manager.

The Tigers have started their search, but are in no rush to appoint a replacement for Craig Cameron, who resigned this month to join the racing industry.

Respected Geelong football manager Neil Balme has been linked to the role.

Balme, a dual Richmond premiership player, refused to dismiss the rumours yesterday.

Asked if he could end speculation, Balme said: "You can say what you like."

It is known Richmond opposition analyst Wayne Campbell, who played 297 games for the Tigers, is a contender and has held talks with club chiefs about the job.

The Tigers are confident Cameron's shock departure - on the eve of the AFL season - will not have an impact on what shapes as a huge year for the club.

Richmond is considered a legitimate chance to play finals for the first time since 2001, when it lost a preliminary final to eventual premiers Brisbane Lions.