Cricket: Mentor's door ajar for Ryder

The player-manager relationship between Jesse Ryder and Aaron Klee is over for now but not necessarily over for good.

The pair split in the wake of Ryder's alcohol-fuelled late night with Doug Bracewell on the eve of the first test against India when both were on standby to play as part of the squad.

When contacted by the Herald on Sunday, Klee would not elaborate on the nature of private conversations with his former charge but said they remain on friendly terms.

"We still have a relationship. I am concerned about him but it's in a different capacity at the moment. It's not like we don't talk to each other. We'll see how things pan out.

"I haven't run for the hills, that's for sure. We'll just let everything calm down a bit so there's not as much emotion involved. I still care and I learnt a lot from the experience [managing Jesse]. I can't throw that away."

Klee's selfless actions with Ryder down the years have earned him respect across the cricketing spectrum. Ryder's life could have unravelled further had it not been for Klee's unconditional support. There was his vigil at Ryder's bedside after the attack which put the 29-year-old in a coma last year in Christchurch; his empathy for a player whose cricketing abilities remain sublime; and his loyalty, despite Ryder's recidivism involving too much alcohol.

Ryder had few others to turn to for help throughout his career but Klee has decided enough is enough.

Looking after Ryder, maintaining a career in the financial services industry and being "Dad to two beautiful girls" as described on Twitter meant something had to give.

Klee's commitment to the game has also been acknowledged elsewhere; in September, he was named a life member for his services to Naenae Old Boys' Cricket Club, where he and Ryder first cemented their partnership. He has decided he needs to get on with his life.