Essendon has decided to part ways with senior coach Brad Scott, effective immediately, midway through his fourth campaign as coach at Tullamarine, tallying 80 games in charge of the Bombers.
The decision comes after a one-win start to the season and just the single victory in the club's past 24 AFL matches.
President Andrew Welsh and CEO Tim Roberts were in the hot seat in front of media to answer questions...
Essendon addresses Brad Scott sacking
1:12pm: "We want to make sure we're not rushing into any decision," Welsh says on new senior coach.
He says Solomon is an "outstanding" coach.
1:10pm: "Understandably, players are disappointed ... I understand the emotions they are going through ... we are very excited about the future of the football club," Welsh says.
"I think it's an extremely attractive job for a coach coming in."
1:07pm: Roberts shoots down reports former CEO Craig Vozzo is doing a review of the football department. "That's not the case," he says.
1:05pm: "I am not ruling anyone in or anyone out," Welsh says when asked about Dean Solomon's chances of taking senior job full-time.
1:02pm: Welsh says every player on the Essendon list currently has the opportunity to play in a premiership.
12:59pm: Welsh non-committal on the type of coach Essendon wants and the process, playing straight bat. He indicates bringing old Essendon players back is not necessarily the panacea. But he says he wants great Essendon people to be involved in the footy club.
12:57pm: Essendon CEO Tim Roberts concedes the Scott payout will provide soft cap challenges. It is believed to be in the region of a $1million for next year.
12:53pm: "We are not going backwards from here," Welsh says defiantly.
Welsh says the sacking call was not made on the back of one game. It was a combination of factors and building results.
"The areas we are assessing from a development perspective are not going the right way," Welsh says.
12:51pm: Welsh says he met with Scott this morning, thanks Scott and family for sacrifices. Adds the club is "not comfortable" with where the club sits, and performance is not trending in right direction. "A fresh voice is needed," Welsh says.
Former Bomber Dean Solomon will take charge as interim coach.
12:49pm: Essendon president Andrew Welsh and CEO Tim Roberts arrive to front the media at The Hanger, Tullamarine.
