It was the question on the mind of every Wests Tigers fan. Would they renew the contract of Mick Potter or would they opt to move on?
Well, the answer has been given. Despite holding the utmost respect for Potter and praising him for the work he has done as Tigers coach, the club has decided not to renew his contract.
The Tigers released a statement confirming as such and made it clear that their search for a new head coach has now begun.
The Tigers statement reads:
Wests Tigers has made the decision not to renew the contract of Head Coach Mick Potter.
Wests Tigers Board and management would like to thank Mick Potter for the professional manner in which he has conducted himself as Head Coach for the past two years. The Club acknowledges that this was often under difficult circumstances.
This has been a difficult decision for everyone involved but one that the Club believes is in the best interests of a successful future for Wests Tigers. Clearly there will be many disappointed fans as, to his credit, Mick has developed a strong following here. However, we ask that you trust that we have made this decision in the interests of a stronger, unified club, following a rigorous and fair process.
Mick Potter had been given three opportunities over the past six weeks to address the Board and present his vision and plan for Wests Tigers going forward. Taking this into account, the Wests Tigers Board and management agree that a fresh approach is needed and the Club will immediately begin a process to identify leading candidates for the role.
The newly appointed Head Coach will be given complete control over the appointment of all key football staff and his playing roster.
The Board and management of Wests Tigers would like to thank Mick Potter for his work over the past two years, and for the professional manner which he has conducted himself.
The Club plans to have in place a new Head Coach no later than October 27, ahead of the start of the pre-season on November 3.