Despite reports coming to light across the last 24-hour that former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson was "firming" in his chances to coach Carlton next season, the four-time premiership coach's manager has put paid to said speculation.
Within a report filed by 7News reporter Tom Browne on Wednesday afternoon, James Henderson claimed that his client was set to continue with his plans of a sabbatical for the 2022 season.
Henderson also told Browne that it remains Clarkson's desire to "undertake further study and personal development opportunities" rather than return to the coaching hot seat next year.
The manager went on to state that "he had received approaches from some AFL clubs this week but had not advanced any of those discussions."
If this latest revelation is proven to be fact rather than just Henderson and his client posturing, it will come as a massive blow for the embattled board at Princes Park who are still yet to part company with David Teague - a move that an array of pundits have suggested will be undertaken within the space of this week.