Assuming there is no hiccup,Richmond plans to secure Hardwick - who would be highly appealing to some rival clubs in the market for a coach - on a multi-year deal.
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Hardwick accepted less than his prospective market value when he signed a three-year contract extension in 2018. Industry sources say he is not remunerated as well as his close friend and Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson and,like other senior coaches,his ability to command a massive salary has been hurt by the reduction in the soft cap on football department spending.
Richmond has backed Hardwick strongly since addressing the issue of his relationship with a staffer at the club in January,with the Tigers hierarchy taking the view that the staffer,a member of their commercial sales team,did not work in football and that the relationship did not violate club policy.
The club said Hardwick had been transparent about the relationship. “The club is aware that coach Damien Hardwick is currently in a relationship with a member of the club’s administration staff. The club has no concerns with this under club policy,” a statement read.
The Tigers immediately told media that Hardwick would remain as coach this year,expressing confidence that the players and team would not be impacted by the relationship.