Axed St Kilda coach Alan Richardson is likely to remain in AFL circles after confirming he has been approached by clubs about a possible mentoring role.
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Richardson parted ways with the Saints last month, replaced by former Carlton senior coach Brett Ratten in a caretaker capacity.
He left almost immediately for a holiday to Bali and watched from afar as Ratten led the Saints to drought-breaking win over the Western Bulldogs.
Having spent six seasons in the hot seat at St Kilda, Richardson is resigned to his senior coaching days being behind him.
But the 54-year-old wants to remain involved in coaching in some form, and believes he could make a good mentor to a younger senior coach.
North Melbourne, whose newly-appointed coach Rhyce Shaw has only been in the system for a few years, looms as an obvious potential destination.
Richardson has also been linked to GWS and Melbourne, who are set to part ways with development coach Brendan McCartney - a personal mentor to coach Simon Goodwin.
"I sense, for me, it's time to perhaps be involved in supporting a coach," Richardson said on Tuesday.
"I've certainly had some conversations, which has been flattering.
"I'm quite excited potentially about some opportunities but those conversations are ongoing."
Like Carlton, St Kilda are yet to decide who they will appoint as their full-time coach for next season.
Former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has been persistently linked to the Saints job since departing the Kangaroos earlier in the year.
Richardson noted the constant speculation surrounding Scott potentially heading to Moorabbin had added to the uncertainty at the club as his tenure came to an end.
"Not so much on me, but my concern was on the players and that was why it was ultimately time to get out of the way," he told SEN radio.
"To some extent you feel vindicated by the energy and the spirit that's back in the team now because all that pressure is gone.
"There was a moment where I thought it was important to just clear a few things up with our chairman Andrew Bassat and with (chief executive) Matt Finnis.
"And that was good, I was able to get some answers."
The Saints face an uphill battle to retain star midfielder Jack Steven, who has barely played this season while dealing with mental health issues and is likely to request a trade to Geelong.
Richardson revealed Steven had asked about being traded to the Cats last season but was told he was a required player.
Australian Associated Press
