Following the termination of the final year of coach Ivan Cleary's contract, Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould AM made the following statement on his Twitter account:
"It has been a tough day. Ivan Cleary has worked hard for Panthers. I've known him for over 20 years so this was a very difficult decision. In the end, I believe this is right for Ivan and I know it is the right time for Panthers.
There are always a number of factors which lead to such decisions. Rather than dwell on these, I simply want to thank Ivan for his efforts and wish both he and his family all the best for the future. It's my call. I expect to be held accountable. But we always put the interests of the club first."
