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.
“John 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, it’s really the first season he has had with a group that we are confident will take us forward," Richardson told SEN's Whateley.
“Why would we have extended his contract if we didn’t believe that?
“He 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.
“It’s probably more a question for players than for me, but I’ve been at the club for five months and I see John has a really strong relationship with all the players,” Richardson explained.
“He is a person that is of the highest quality, highest standards, highest principles and values, and there is no doubt in the club’s mind, there is no doubt in my mind, that he is the coach to take us to where he wants to get to.
“From what I’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.”
