The Press Release

By John on

Phillip and Bobby have sent out a press release this morning formally announcing their intention of applying for the USEF Technical Advisor and Chef positions.  The release contains two very important pieces of information:


1) If hired as Technical Advisor, Dutton would retire from competition after the London Olympics in 2012.

2) Bobby resigned from the USEF Technical Advisor/Chef d’Equipe Search Committee to pursue the position of Chef d’Equipe.


Both of these steps are appropriate and necessary.  But, as I indicated in this morning’s post, Phillip retiring upon being hired might be seen as a downside by the USEF because he is such a strong rider.  The rest of the press release contains a lot of biographical information.  [Full Press Release, via USEA]

Categories:

Eventing Nation, Eventing News and Notes
  • Nic

    Either way Philip could retire from compitition, so that being a reson not to hire him is really a moot point... and we all LOVE Bobby, a true asset to life in general!!!

  • Nic

    Sorry that should be reason...

  • anonym

    Would one not fully expect that PD would retire from International competition following London regardless of coaching positionÉÉ
    How old will he be in 2013
    A better question is how would he `follow the program as it progresses toward 2012 if he is in the running for a team spot

  • John

    In terms of Phillip's retirement, I was just going by the wording of the press release, which says "IF hired...Dutton would retire" which is very different that saying just that Phillip will retire after 2012. Of course, "if" doesn't mean that Phillip won't retire if he isn't hired, but it also means that they passed on the opportunity to formally announce the retirement no matter what. I'm sure the Selection Committee will chat with Phillip about what his riding plans are for the various possible scenarios.

  • kelly

    Are they the first to announce their intentions? I'm just confused as to why there's a press release --especially on the USEA site. People don't usually issue press releases that they are going to apply for a job. Companies don't usually publish news articles saying "So and so' is going to apply for a position here." After a new hire is made - yes. Has anyone else released a press release that they intend to apply?

    I don't know either man well enough to have an opinion on their suitability. I just find the whole press release thing odd. it makes it seem like they are a shoe-in and now just need official word. is this the case?

    just curious.
    Thanks,
    ps. i apologize for random typing/cap errors - my keyboard isn't working correctly.

  • event4life

    Bobby is AWESOME! That would be so exciting, but I would definitely miss watching Phillip ride.

  • anonym

    I agree it is very odd that the USEA has posted a forml press release commenting on a job applicant.
    Do they intend to do so with every application?
    How will an unbiased opinion be made as to the riders named to the London team,knowing PD wants the coach job!!?

  • potter

    The Press Release was issued by Phillip and Bobby themselves. They sent out the press release themselves to press entities who just re-published it.

    I am sure they are thinking it can't hurt to garner some public support to help the USEF in their decision (not that the USEF would be swayed by the public). It will be interesting to see the other candidates and if they follow suit with a press release as they apply.

  • potter

    Just to clarify - this job position IS NOT WITH THE USEA, its a USEF hire and they pay for this position.

  • Anon in Australia

    They would have created a press release because they know that the pressure will be great from the multitude of sports admin experts that exist in eventing ;-)

    The same stuiff is being debated by all of us experts on forums in Australia about the replacement for Wayne Roycroft...

  • kelly

    Ok, well, that makes a "little" more sense for the USEA to publish the PR if they aren't doing the hiring.... but I would certainly hope they publish other press releases if they do come out.

    My guess, too, is the PR was to gain public pressure. Or to just put it out there in the open if rumors were going around. i'm so far out of the cool group that I wouldn't know IF there were rumors.

    Best of luck to them.

  • LisaB

    Thinking out loud here. Pan Ams are 2011 with it being a 2*. Wouldn't it be an interesting thing to get these 2 to do a trial run of their proposal? They both have an excellent handle on the up and comers. And PD needs to ride a 2* with these logistical nightmares of competing in MX like he needs a hole in the head. So, we won't miss him competing at something like this.