Graham pragmatic about departure

Mon, Mar 7, 2016, 4:00 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Richard Graham has been practical about his departure
Richard Graham has been practical about his departure

Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham has taken a pragmatic approach to his departure from the club.

Graham said he understood the decision, which came after a poor winning record over his three seasons at the club.

“You’d always like more games,” he said to reporters in Brisbane.

“I can control what i could control and the organisation has got to make a decision as well.

“At the end of the day don’t think the timing's ever right but that’s the nature of the business.”

Graham said he felt he still had support of the dressing room but ultimately had to be a “realist” about his position.

“I felt I had the support of the group and I obviously love the place, I’m  passionate about the place and want the place to do well,” he said.

“I’m a realist and understand decisions will be made based on performances and that’s happened today.

“There was never a time constraint or (ultimatum on) results or anything.

“The organisation has felt they needed to make a decision and I accept that.”

Graham joined the Reds from the Force ahead of the 2013 season and has clinched nine wins from 34 games with the club.

He was reappointed by the club at the end of the 2015 season after an internal review, but his departure from the club was announced after two losses to start 2016.

He will be replaced by co-interim coaches Matt O’Connor and Nick Stiles.

The Reds travel to Melbourne to take on the Rebels on Saturday night, searching for their first win of the season.

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