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Gary Hetherington will have one last drink with colleagues on Friday before he closes the curtain on his tenure as Leeds Rhinos' chief executive. But it shouldn't be just those in the Headingley banqueting suite raising a glass to him because Hetherington leaves behind an astonishing legacy. He has helped improve the lives of all those, past and present associated with the club during his spell in charge. In almost three decades, the Rhinos reached 30 finals, won 18 trophies and signed some of the sport's most exciting players. And, don't forget, Hetherington has also overseen the formation of a successful academy, which produced members of the 'golden generation' led by Kevin Sinfield. A complete transformation of the stadium, formation of the Rhinos Foundation, a title-winning women's team, disabled side and lasting partnership with neighbours Yorkshire CCC. In short, Hetherington has gone from being a working class bloke from Castleford, to one of the most successful and respected administrators in UK sport. "In any job you do, you hope to leave something in a better place than when you started," said Hetherington, in his final interview before stepping down. "I had four objectives. Give the city a team it could be proud of and respect. Create a sustainable business, restore the facilities into a world class rugby stadium, and connect with the community. I'd like to think I've achieved what I set out to do." Hetherington and property magnate Paul Caddick took charge of the Rhinos 29 years ago, almost to the day. They found a club with a debt of £5.5m, a team that had almost been relegated and a huge challenge ahead. But together they turned the Rhinos into the most successful club in the world. "I took over the rugby related income and costs," adds Hetherington. "I didn't have any money. The club had a £5.5m overdraft and the bank had said 'no more'. "I knew the potential here. It felt like a good challenge. I didn't really know Paul, but we came together. I told him we needed £1m and three years. I always said the partnership was based on my enthusiasm and his money." A self-confessed "control freak" and workaholic, Hetherington has spent almost three decades getting into his office at 6.30am every day. He has developed a reputation for being a fierce negotiator. He said: "I'd like to be remembered as someone who always had an honest approach. Straightforward. I've got a reputation for not being overly generous! A bit tight, which I think is a bit unfair! I've always rewarded success. If people achieve, then I've recognised it. "The World Club Challenge was the pinnacle. Probably beating Manly here is the standout moment for me, but it's all been special. We have also had some wonderful, locally produced players. Leeds lads." One of which was Rob Burrow, the close friend of Hetherington and club legend, who lost his public battle with MND almost 18 months ago. An emotional Hetherington added: "I was the second person to be made aware of his diagnosis. Kevin Sinfield called me. It was a hammer blow. The worst possible prognosis because there's a certainty to it. "It was devastating. How Rob fought it was a great example of his character and the bloke he was. Going to his funeral, the cortege went through the streets, which were lined with so many people. It was so tough." So what would he like his Rhinos epitaph to be? "That I tried my best."
