Essendon has released the first findings from their highly-publicised external review, and confirmed they’ve now engaged a recruitment company to find their next CEO.
But already there’s rumours of more internal unrest at the club, with reports an approach is being considered to bring ex-president Paul Little back.
In a letter addressed to members on Tuesday, Bombers club president Dave Barham said the club would prioritise bolstering their football department under new coach Brad Scott as part of the review’s recommendations.
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Two new positions have been created including general manager of performance and the “critical” role of head of development.
“We have a young and exciting playing list and must ensure we have the league’s best development programs to ensure our players thrive and reach their full potential,” Barham explained.
But questions are being asked of Barham’s support after a horror few weeks that included the embarrassing 24-hour appointment of Andrew Thorburn as CEO.
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Thorburn resigned as Essendon’s chief executive over his links to a church that condemns homosexuality and abortion just a day after his appointment was made official.
“I can tell you that today there’s a lot of people at that footy cub that want Paul Little to return as president of the Bombers,” journalist Damian Barrett said on Trade Radio.
“I’ve spoken to Paul Little today about this. I put it to him and the simple response was a very blunt one – no comment. You can read into that or read out of that.
“I did put it to him that he was considering an approach from people connected to the club who want him to come back. He was just not engaging in any part of that conversation.
“I can tell you up until the weekend, inclusive of yesterday there was people speaking to Paul Little about this possibility.
“There was enough people working behind the scenes keen to explore the formation of a new football club board given the events of the last eight and half weeks under the David Barham watch.”
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The Bombers had announced a thorough review would take place after their dismal 2022 campaign ended in farcical scenes as coach Ben Rutten finished the year – despite a last-minute bid to lure Alastair Clarkson to the club.
Rutten was eventually given his marching orders while CEO Xavier Campbell and a host of board members also followed him out the door.
The final draft report was completed by Ernst & Young and former chief executive Thorburn, who has since cut ties with the club after his controversial church views were exposed.
“One area that the Board is focusing on as a priority, consistent with the preliminary findings from the EY External Review, is our football department. Our players deserve every opportunity to excel both on and off the field and further urgent investment is required now for the club to achieve the success we all desire,” Barham said.
“Prioritising this area now will ensure we can develop the program and have support in place for when the players return to pre-season training.”
