Outgoing Essendon Coach James Hird says he hopes the end of his tenure will decrease the external pressure on the players. 

The Bombers players and coaches have endured years of intense media interest with sensitive and confidential information often finding its way in to the newspapers.

“The reason for this decision was to enable the players and the supporters and the club to have some space to play and perform and be a normal football club again,” Hird said. 

“We don’t want to be the centre of media speculation, we don’t want to be a place where there is cameras out the front of our club every day. 

“We don’t want to be on every TV show every second day.

“We don’t want to be every second article in the paper.

“We want to be a football club that is talked about for their football."

Hird said he informed the players of his departure at 1pm today after weeks of discussions with club management. 

“My relationships with the players have always been my main focus as coach,” he said. 

“I truly thank you guys with all my heart.

“My hesitation in leaving this football club at this time is that I will leave the players in a time they still need strong guidance and care, which I hope to continue from a distance. 

“I’ve always cared deeply for them as people and tried to help them be the best players they possibly can be.”