Wellington Cowboys president Darren Ah See is someone trying to change the image of his club and while some of the headlines of the past week haven’t helped, he said an apology made by first grade coach Aidan Ryan is a step in the right direction.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ryan contacted the Daily Liberal on Friday to put forward an apology for comments made to various media outlets after last weekend’s loss to Dubbo CYMS in Group 11.
Ryan slammed referee Willy Barnes after the defeat at No. 1 Oval, going as far as saying blind American soul musician Stevie Wonder could have done a better job than the experienced whistle-blower.
RELATED:
The Group 11 board stood Ryan down immediately from all coaching and official duties with the Cowboys, pending an investigation into the matter.
“It’s brought the Cowboys, Group 11, and the game into disrepute,” Ryan said.
“Willy goes out of his way to keep Group 11 running and he was one of the people who helped me get my referees certificate and I really want to apologise to him.
“I shouldn’t have put him down the way I did, he didn’t deserve it.
“I think I was just looking for excuses for the loss when CYMS was just the better team overall.”
Ah See also spoke on the matter, saying he and the club didn’t condone Ryan’s comments.
“I talked to the players after the game and I did state I came to this club to create a positive culture and to not have a situation where players, coaches or supporters direct that kind of behaviour towards anyone at a footy game,” he said.
“We’ve had a bad run with this club the last few years, it happens to every club at times, but we’ve got to deal with things professionally and that’s not only for this year, it’s about building a club with credibility.”
I shouldn’t have put him down the way I did, he didn’t deserve it.
- Aidan Ryan on referee Willy Barnes
Ah See met with Ryan after the weekend to discuss his post-match comments and the president and coach said it is something which can be learned from.
Ryan, currently sidelined through injury after undergoing knee surgery last week, won’t be in the coach’s chair for the Cowboys’ match at Forbes this weekend while he could face an extended period away from his duties.
Group 11 is investigating the comments the coach made and a decision on any punishment is expected to be announced next week.
“He’s very passionate and coaching is something which can be frustrating,” Ah See said of Ryan.
“There’s a fine line between what you can and can’t say and I know he understands he went too far.”
While adamant the comments did cross a line, Group 11 secretary Paul Loxley stated he was aware Ryan was apologetic and added he appreciated how open and accessible the Cowboys club had been this week.
In terms of action on the field, a win for the Cowboys over the Magpies on Sunday would confirm a top three finish.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
