Essendon footy boss Dan Richardson says extending coach John Worsfold’s contract wasn’t a mistake.
The Bombers have suffered a tumultuous start to the 2018 season at 2-6, after signing Worsfold for a further two years. However, Richardson has defended that decision in the face of heavy criticism.
RICHARDSON: ASSISTANTS WERE NOT SILENCED
“No, not at all,” he told SEN’s Whateley, when asked if Worsfold was on trial.
“John is in his third year as coach of this footy club, but in a lot of ways given the unique set of circumstances that the club has been through, even though it is his third season at the helm, it’s really the first season he has had with a group that we are confident will take us forward.
“Not at all (it wasn’t a mistake to extend his contract). Why would we have extended his contract if we didn’t believe that?
“He is a premiership coach, so he is a proven coach.
“He is a person that is of the highest quality, highest standards, highest principles and values, and there is no doubt in the club’s mind, there is no doubt in my mind, that he is the coach to take us to where he wants to get to.”
Richardson also denied claims Worsfold hasn’t got a strong relationship with his playing group.
“It’s probably more a question for players than for me, but I’ve been at the club for five months and I see John has a really strong relationship with all the players,” he said.
“The biggest challenge any senior coach has is getting around regularly to 44 players.
“From what I’ve seen, John has a terrific relationship with his players, as have the other coaches and I see no question of any of the connection there.”