Clarkson says North Melbourne publicly humiliated him with sacking

Alastair Clarkson says he and his family feel “publicly humiliated” by the way North Melbourne ended his tenure as head coach. The four-time premiership coach at Hawthorn gave his first interview since the Kangaroos dismissed him on Wednesday.

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We’re just shocked, and we just thought we were owed a little bit of respect in being informed and warned.

Clarkson said the club’s president, Sonja Hood, and football boss, Todd Viney, should have shown him more respect before explaining the decision publicly. Their media conference gave a blunt account of why the club ended his four-year tenure with one season still remaining on his contract.

“We’re just shocked, and we just thought we were owed a little bit of respect in being informed and warned,” Clarkson told The Age. “Instead, they chose to dance on my grave like this.” He added, “We all feel … so publicly humiliated.”

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Instead, they chose to dance on my grave like this.

Clarkson rejected suggestions that his relationships with players and staff had broken down. “Is that all my fault, is it?” he said. “My mantra has never changed, and that has been to have care and empathy to help players chase their dream.” He added, “I feel like my life’s shot.”

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We all feel … so publicly humiliated.

North Melbourne now faces the task of finding his successor. Former Kangaroos players John Longmire and Adam Simpson have been suggested because of their stature, but the club could also consider a highly rated assistant. Jaymie Graham of Fremantle, Corey Enright of St Kilda and James Kelly of Geelong were among those considered for the Carlton job before Josh Fraser’s results as interim coach made him the only choice for the Blues.

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My mantra has never changed, and that has been to have care and empathy to help players chase their dream.