BRETT Ratten has urged potential candidates for the Richmond caretaker role to set aside any misgivings and just do it.

Ratten was the Blues' caretaker coach for six weeks after Denis Pagan left the club in 2007 and he found it to be an overwhelmingly positive experience that ultimately got him over the line for the top job.

"If I was in any of those blokes' shoes again I would recommend that they go for it," Ratten said.

"I would say to anyone 'if you're in doubt take it' because I think history shows there's been a lot of caretaker coaches that have gone in and won the job. Paul Roos is one that's done it and he's a premiership coach.

"You try and work out the balance of ‘the fors’ and ‘againsts’, but at the end of the day you get the chance to drive the bus. There's no greater experience than sitting there for six weeks, 10 weeks whatever it is. It's a great opportunity for anyone to display their skills.

"Do you have to bring your CV? You actually get to put it out there and show what you're capable of doing which is probably the greatest thing of all time."

But while the caretaker will have a leg up on the competition there is certain to be several strong candidates for the permanent role.

Current Carlton assistant coach Mark Riley was on the other end of the equation at Melbourne when he was overlooked for Dean Bailey after taking over from Neale Daniher in 2007.
  
Despite the increasingly youthful outlook of clubs in the hunt for a new coach, Ratten gave Riley his full support should he decide to pursue the Tigers job.

"When's the age cut-off? Mark Riley's about 44 and he's been in the game for a long time, but I think he could coach any day," he said.

"He could walk out of his office and go and coach a senior team tomorrow. He's got all the skills to do that and he's 44 or 45. Is he too old … A lot of teams are looking at younger coaches at the moment. Is it a trend? Will it do a 360 in five years time? No one knows.

"If Mark knocked on my door – and he hasn't – but if he said that he wanted to go for it then he'd get a reference from me anytime. I think he's outstanding and he's got to the skills to do that."