Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has been told by his club that he’s been sacked with one year left on his contract.Phil Gould, Panthers executive general manager, met Cleary this morning to tell him that his services were no longer needed, resulting in his immediate departure.
“Ivan Cleary has done a tremendous job in his four years at the Panthers,” Gould said in a media release.
“He has laid the foundation for the future and we are enormously grateful for his contribution to the club.
“We wish Ivan, his wife Rebecca and his family all the very best for the future.”
Cleary has been the Panther’s coach since 2012. He was awarded Coach of the Year last year after guiding his side to the finals. But the Panthers narrowly missed being wooden spooners and struggled with injury throughout the recently completed season, losing key players including Matt Moylan, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Brent Kite and Peter Wallace. The club decided it was time for Cleary to leave.
Panthers assistant coach David Fairleigh’s contract was also reportedly terminated. – Ellen Conroy.
Top photo of Ivan Cleary from Penrith Panthers Official Facebook page.
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