Colless to leave at end of season

[neilfws]

Swans president to depart

EDIT: story now at Swans website - Chairman Colless to stand down - SYDNEYSWANS.com.au

[Panttz]

Sad

[ScottH]

It's almost like your favourite player retiring.

[Untamed Snark]

It's almost like your favourite player retiring.

It really is isn't it
A big big thank you to Colless for everything he has done for this club-I think another premiership win would be a nice send off for him

[elastic]

He really has done a magnificent job for this club and he has done it with passion. He has never felt the need to get his face all over the papers by speaking for others which shows that he has worked for the love of the club.
I think people can underestimate the importance of the executive level of a club in setting the foundation for success and in this regard he can be very proud of what he has achieved.

[liz]

He's made an extraordinary contribution to the success of this club. Extraordinary. You just have to look at the state the club was at in the early 90s when he first came on board.

Hopefully someone will put up their hand over the next 9 months who can continue to steer the club in the same direction and with an equivalent level of passion as Richard has demonstrated.

[dimelb]

Great job, Richard; it's been a wonderful journey.
Thank you many times over.

[Primmy]

Time for the memories of Richard Colless, of which there are many.

My first memory was after a win against West Coast, waaay back when over in the west, great game too, with him bounding onto the ground, coat flapping, madly excited. I think it may have been a fairly significant game, circa 1997, but I was still learning the game then so am not sure of the details.

We are indebted to him. And yes, it is like a favourite player retiring.

[Sandridge]

Richard Colless has been absolutely magnificent for our club - we owe him so much!

After losing the Grand Final in 1996, I wrote him a letter expressing my delight at having witnessed such a wonderful season. Having started supporting South Melbourne in 1961, 1996 was the first year I had seen the Bloods finish the home and away season on top of the ladder. Indeed it was the first year I had ever seen the club win a final! I received, and still have, a personalized reply from Colless. In his letter, he referred to the excitement I felt and mentioned Bobby Skilton and the bond between the Sydney Swans and their Melbourne members and fans.

I'm sure the club will give him a magnificent send off - he sure as hell deserves it!

[Triple B]

Time for the memories of Richard Colless, of which there are many.

My first memory was after a win against West Coast, waaay back when over in the west, great game too, with him bounding onto the ground, coat flapping, madly excited. I think it may have been a fairly significant game, circa 1997, but I was still learning the game then so am not sure of the details.

The significance for Richard would be a win against his old side. He was the first Chairman at West Coast and I believe came to Sydney at the request of the AFL to drag the Swans out of the poop, a job he has achieved with aplomb.

Any win against your old side, particularly against the odds, would be extremely satisfying Even though I don't believe the parting was in any way acrimonious, it would be a good feeling.

[dawson]

For many fans who supported the Swans before 1996, was has happened in the 17 years since still makes you want to pinch yourself to make sure it's not a dream. The club was a shambles and no-one in the league respected us.

Richard's dream has definitely become a reality and for this we owe him a massive debt of gratitude that we can never adequately repay.

[Auntie.Gerald]

brilliant leadership and Richards network and board has been first class !

[satchmopugdog]

My 2 memories of contact with Richard are pleasant indeed. Firstly at the team of the century do he started his speech and people were still talking so I said loudly, "I'm listening!!' He replied, "I glad someone is" and the others then shut up. Secondly, Erin (Eirrin), Bec (Tuesday)and I were walking round the "G" to get to the correct gate for the 2005 Grand Final and caught up to Richard and his wife and Erin gave them some of her lucky biscuits. They were very appreciative.
Richard's contribution has been outstanding. I tips me 'at.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Wow. Very sad indeed, but good for him.

As influential as any single person, player, coach, you name it to pass through our club since we've been in Sydney.

You don't become the most respected and stable club, one of the most consistent teams and a regular premiership contender unless you have first-class leadership at the very top.

And yes - as those on here who've met him will attest - a top bloke too.

[Sandridge]

For many fans who supported the Swans before 1996, was has happened in the 17 years since still makes you want to pinch yourself to make sure it's not a dream. The club was a shambles and no-one in the league respected us.

Richard's dream has definitely become a reality and for this we owe him a massive debt of gratitude that we can never adequately repay.

Absolutely!