Chairman David Evans said the Club offered Hird a four-year deal after he emerged as a standout applicant in an extensive interview process.
Read more about the coaching appointment of James Hird.
David Evans said: “Five weeks ago I advised our members and the football industry that the Essendon Football Club would be searching for a new coach, and that we would undertake a process to identify the best person for the job.
“Today I am very pleased and proud to announce that Essendon has appointed James Hird as our Coach.
“James has played 253 games and kicked 343 goals for Essendon from 1992 to 2007, captaining the club from 1998 to 2006. His career highlights include two Premierships (1993, 2000), including one as Premiership captain, a Brownlow medal (1996) and five Club Best and Fairest awards (1994, 1995, 1996, 2003, 2007).
“The interview panel recommended James on the basis of three key issues – his knowledge of the modern game, the comprehensive plan he has for our young and talented playing group, and his proven leadership and people management skills.”
David Evans said: “Five weeks ago I advised our members and the football industry that the Essendon Football Club would be searching for a new coach, and that we would undertake a process to identify the best person for the job.
“Today I am very pleased and proud to announce that Essendon has appointed James Hird as our Coach.
“James has played 253 games and kicked 343 goals for Essendon from 1992 to 2007, captaining the club from 1998 to 2006. His career highlights include two Premierships (1993, 2000), including one as Premiership captain, a Brownlow medal (1996) and five Club Best and Fairest awards (1994, 1995, 1996, 2003, 2007).
“The interview panel recommended James on the basis of three key issues – his knowledge of the modern game, the comprehensive plan he has for our young and talented playing group, and his proven leadership and people management skills.”
Have you got your tickets to hear from James Hird live at the 2010 Crichton medal? Click here to book.
James Hird said: “I am very proud and feel privileged to coach the club I have barracked for, played for, and loved for the whole of my life.
“The Essendon Football Club is the most successful football club in the AFL but while it is right to be respectful of the past, it is fatal to be haunted by history.
“My desire is to bring the best coaching team available to this club to develop, teach and improve our list so sooner rather than later our great club can again have success.
“We need to unite the club so that we stand as one – proud, united and excited by the future.
“Just as I will be asking every one of our players to be giving a bit more and working harder, I will also be asking all of our members to step up and support the club. We also have 1 million supporters and I am asking them – take the next step – join up, be a member and help our great club build to success.”
