Gould statement on Cleary termination

Following the termination of the final year of coach Ivan Cleary's contract, Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould AM made the following statement on his Twitter account:

"It has been a tough day. Ivan Cleary has worked hard for Panthers. I've known him for over 20 years so this was a very difficult decision. In the end, I believe this is right for Ivan and I know it is the right time for Panthers.

There are always a number of factors which lead to such decisions. Rather than dwell on these, I simply want to thank Ivan for his efforts and wish both he and his family all the best for the future. It's my call. I expect to be held accountable. But we always put the interests of the club first."