Essendon Football Club’s Board of Directors has today made the decision to part ways with senior coach Ben Rutten, effective immediately.

President David Barham informed Rutten of the decision to terminate his contract, following the Board Meeting on Sunday morning.

Barham acknowledged the difficult time for Rutten and his family and thanked him for his services to the Essendon Football Club.  

“We know this has been an incredibly tough time for Ben and his family, and broadly, our whole club. We wish to thank Ben, as well as wife Kylie and children Jack and Bernie for their contribution to the Essendon Football Club,” Barham said.

“Ben’s commitment and care for this playing group was second to none, and we thank him for his dedication to what we recognise is an all-consuming role as senior coach.

“The unfortunate reality is, at various stages this season; we have simply been uncompetitive. And while we acknowledge that we have an emerging playing list, we were compelled to make the decision.

“Our members and supporters do, and should, expect better from a proud football club. We appreciate this has been a difficult chapter for our Club. But as I said in my President’s address pre-game yesterday, we will be a bold and courageous football club again. We need to return to being a successful football club.

“We will thoroughly and diligently consider our next steps and in due course, will communicate the process of our next senior coach appointment.”

David Barham and Xavier Campbell will address the media at the NEC Hangar on Sunday afternoon.