UPDATE: James Hird remains coach of Essendon after the board met on Monday and made the decision to keep him as coach for the “immediate term”.
In a statement released on Monday afternoon, the club said it would “retain its existing football structure in the immediate term” and set “no timeframe on further considering these matters”.
“James remains senior coach of the Essendon Football Club and will work closely with other members of the Football Department during this particularly important trade and planning period in preparation for the 2015 season.”
Earlier on Monday afternoon, Hird spoke to reporters as he left the club’s Tullamrine headquarters for the day.
He said it “wasn’t a normal day” at the club but made it clear that as far as he was concerned, nothing had changed.
“We have a big job ahead of us, the trade period and obviously (finding) another assistant coach,” he said.”So we’re keen to get that done as soon as we can.”Hird was then asked if he had spoken to the board and he replied simply “no”.
In the statement, the club recognised Hird’s right to appeal the Federal Court’s ruling that the joint AFL-ASADA investigation into Essendon’s 2012 supplements program was legal.
Full statement:
The Board of the Essendon Football Club met today and resolved to retain its existing football structure in the immediate term.
Chairman Paul Little said there were several complex matters of significance currently in progress, being the Federal Court Appeal by James Hird and the expected re-issuing of show-cause notices by ASADA.
“As such, the Board believes it would be potentially reckless to make any decisions of significance until there is further clarity on these crucial matters.
“The Board recognises the rights of James to pursue his appeal of the recent Federal Court decision. James remains senior coach of the Essendon Football Club and will work closely with other members of the Football Department during this particularly important trade and planning period in preparation for the 2015 season.
“The Board has set no timeframe on further considering these matters, however, will monitor developments as they occur.
“After discussions with key relevant parties, we remain hopeful the ASADA process can be expedited and completed prior to the end of 2014. In the meantime, we will continue to provide all available support to the players and their families.
“The Board understands the uncertainty ongoing media speculation creates for our members and supporters. We recognise there are many different opinions on these matters and reaffirm the Board is committed to acting in the best interests of the Club and its members.”
