"John Buchanan has informed Knight Riders that despite his hard work over the past two seasons, he has not achieved everything that he set out to and has not been able take the franchise into the future as per his vision for this team. We have amicably agreed that Knight Riders will release him from his contract with immediate effect," said Jay Mehta, co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders.
"I would like to state that John is a great coach. He had a vision for Knight Riders and did not waver from this vision. Unfortunately, it has not brought the results that are so necessary to this franchise."
It is now official -- Buchanan and KKR have parted ways, per a press release from the franchise that just landed in my inbox.
"Obviously, I am very disappointed in not being able to continue with the Knight Riders and complete the work I started some 18 months. I think we have the makings of a very good IPL franchise, and the foundations are there for 2010. I would like to thank everyone who supported me at Knight Riders, and I wish the team every success in 2010", said John Buchanan.
The decision, according to KKR's PR, was taken because the franchise has a vision and an intent for the future, and John doesn't fit into it.
While the 2009 IPL season was an exciting and successful event, the Kolkata Knight Riders regretfully did not achieve what was required of them during the tournament, failing to fulfill both their own and their fans' expectations.
The Knight Riders management and owners have reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the team with all parties involved and are proactively looking for a new approach to ensure Knight Riders are well prepared for the 2010 season of IPL and beyond.
As a part of this exercise, Knight Riders have consulted with John Buchanan to discuss a new approach.
John, however, feels that his vision and direction for the team that he wishes to take are no longer aligned to those of the owners and franchise management, and as such he has decided to return to his coaching and corporate consulting work through his company, Buchanan Success Coaching.
That is the first, but by no means the last -- stand by for a spate of goodbyes as KKR's support staff gets decimated re-jigged for a post-Buchanan world.
