Alastair Clarkson admits standing apart as North Melbourne coach was tough and “a little embarrassing” however the prolonged break has helped regain his psychological and bodily well being.
Ahead of his return to the teaching field this Sunday, Clarkson has addressed in-depth the choice that shocked the soccer world.
On May 18, the 55-year-old introduced he was indefinitely taking a break from the Kangaroos as a result of psychological pressure of the Hawthorn racism saga.
The AFL has since introduced no opposed findings towards Clarkson, Chris Fagan or Jason Burt over the historic racism allegations on the Hawks.
Clarkson, Fagan and Burt all vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
The four-time Hawthorn premiership coach has taken again the Kangaroos teaching reins from interim mentor Brett Ratten forward of this week’s conflict with Melbourne.
“The time away from the club has been difficult but imperative,” Clarkson wrote in a letter to members on Tuesday.
“Stepping aside was challenging, isolating, confronting and even a little embarrassing.
“I’ve now come to understand that nothing is embarrassing on the subject of addressing your bodily and psychological wellbeing.”
Clarkson has expressed gratitude for all the support he received from the club and other key people during his time away from Arden St.
“Ten weeks in the past I got here to the realisation I wanted to be real to myself, my household and my soccer membership and acknowledge these priorities weren’t being met,” he wrote.
“As a end result, I wanted to take away myself from the soccer treadmill.
“(Wife) Caryn and I were getting warning signals regarding my physical and mental wellbeing on numerous occasions, and May 17 was the day of realisation that I could only invest in my family, my club and my community if I got myself back to full health.
“With the assistance of Dr David Cahill, Dr Peter Parker and Professor Steve Davis, now we have put in place methods which were pivotal to my progress, and these are ongoing wants I endeavour to deal with transferring ahead.
“Ironically, returning to coaching our club is a very important part of that process.
The North Melbourne Football Club has confronted many hurdles in its existence. Our members and supporters have consistently maintained faith in tough times and found a way to rise above these challenges.
“That care has been prolonged to me once more in these previous three months and I’m endlessly grateful for the unwavering assist I’ve obtained from North Melbourne, my household and pals.”
Clarkson will front a press conference at Arden St on Friday ahead of North’s game against the Demons.
The game against Melbourne will coincide with Clarkson’s 400th game as AFL coach – the first person to achieve that feat since Leigh Matthews in 2006.
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Source: www.perthnow.com.au
