I was ready to sack him after round 8, posted in this forum. In Kennett's shoes I would have clearly terminated him after this year and paid him out. The only thing that would have changed my mind is Clarkson saying he could stay and increase Mitchell's chance of success. The mistake I hold Kennett accountable for is believing Clarkson and Mitchell could work together. It's obviously a low percentage choice and contrary to Kennett's own instructions concerning leadership at the club. So it makes me wonder what was said or other facts/issues that caused him to be inconsistent in this case with his previous decision making.
Based on clarko’s statements about being ready to support the transition to Mitchell, his absolute commitment to the club, and what looks to be a close personal relationship with Mitchell and his family, I thought the ingredients to make the transition work were all there. He’s an icon of the club and if clarko says “i will make it work” it’s no great surprise that many of us, including Kennett, believed that. Turns out it was incorrect. Turns out quite a few of us are looking forward to new start in 2022. Was this all planned by clarko from the moment he found out about his non renewal, as a play to pocket his payout and get out of the joint? Did it just unfold organically in the chaos of a developing situation? Maybe one day we will know for sure. I find Jeff an abrasive and divisive character, especially in the way he mixes politics with footy, but I don’t think we should blame him for believing clarko would be true to his word.