Alastair Clarkson ‘is interested in coaching Essendon’ after GWS are ‘snubbed’
Essendon’s dramatic bid to snatch Alastair Clarkson from North Melbourne is gaining momentum, with the four-time premiership winner reportedly interested in leading the Bombers.
Clarkson has been hotly pursued by the rock-bottom Roos and Greater Western Sydney in recent months, with both clubs in desperate need of a rebuild.
The 54-year-old is said to have informed the Giants that he wishes to resume his coaching career in Victoria, which had seemingly paved the way for a move to North Melbourne.
Alastair Clarkson has reportedly told Essendon that he would be interested in coaching them
However, the Bombers are understood to have made an 11th hour swoop for Clarkson, despite publicly backing under-fire coach Ben Rutten.
And according to the Herald Sun, Clarkson’s manager, James Henderson, has informed Essendon that the former Hawthorn boss has a ‘strong interest’ in the role after North tabled a five-year deal.
The Bombers’ late push for the supercoach comes after major changes at board level, with David Barham replacing Paul Brasher as chief executive on Monday.
The Bombers are understood to be considering Ben Rutten’s position as the club’s head coach
Rutten has overseen an underwhelming season for the Bombers who missed out on finals
Despite the public support of Rutten on Monday, multiple reports claim the club are preparing to relieve the 39-year-old of his duties after a difficult campaign.
Board member and club legend Kevin Sheedy denied claims that Rutten had already been sacked and insisted he had not spoken with Clarkson.
When asked if he expected Rutten to lead the side for the final round game against Richmond: ‘I’d hope so, ’cause he’s on a contract.’
‘That’s not true (that Rutten has already been sacked). All I can say is that the president, who’s new at Essendon, that’s his decision wholly along with members of the club.
‘As far as we know and I know, he’s got a contract.
As for the Clarkson speculation, Sheedy said: ‘I’ll be honest I’d have no idea. But if they have it won’t be our CEO and it won’t be our staff because they’re locked in on trying to get everything ready for this game so we won’t embarrass ourselves like last week.
Clarkson has reportedly informed GWS Giants that he wishes to remain in Victoria next year
That leaves North Melbourne and Essendon in the race to secure the supercoach’s services
‘I have no idea, I wouldn’t have thought so at the present time but that’s the way I see it.’
Curiously, Sheedy admitted that Clarkson would be a better fit at North Melbourne.
‘I think Clarkson could be perfect moving into North Melbourne, I wouldn’t be surprised, take ’em down to Tasmania,’ he added.
‘You don’t know what’s in other people’s thinking, do you?
‘He’s been locked into Tasmania with the state government, and because everyone wants North Melbourne to move because we’ve got too many teams here … too many teams in Melbourne, most people in Australia think that we do, so you just never know if Alastair says I’m looking a bit bigger picture than just going to coach a team in Melbourne.
‘It could even involve Tasmania, you just don’t know.’
