Essendon have faced a rough start to the season and their 2-6 record reflects that, but Bombers football manager Dan Richardson says the contract extension given to coach john Worsfold was not a mistake.

Worsfold and the Bombers struck a deal before the 2018 season that would see him on board for a further two years, however despite heads beginning to turn to the coach as Essendon struggle for consistency, Richardson has defended the club's decision.

โ€œJohn is in his third year as coach of this footy club, but in a lot of ways given the unique set of circumstances that the club has been through, even though it is his third season at the helm, itโ€™s really the first season he has had with a group that we are confident will take us forward," Richardson told SEN's Whateley.

โ€œWhy would we have extended his contract if we didnโ€™t believe that?

โ€œHe is a premiership coach, so he is a proven coach."

Richardson also addressed claims that Worsfold isn't connecting well with his playing group, saying that what he sees is a strong relationship with the players.

โ€œItโ€™s probably more a question for players than for me, but Iโ€™ve been at the club for five months and I see John has a really strong relationship with all the players,โ€ Richardson explained.

โ€œHe is a person that is of the highest quality, highest standards, highest principles and values, and there is no doubt in the clubโ€™s mind, there is no doubt in my mind, that he is the coach to take us to where he wants to get to.

โ€œFrom what Iโ€™ve seen, John has a terrific relationship with his players, as have the other coaches and I see no question of any of the connection there.โ€