Vote now: Knights sacked
Posted by Brent DiamondAug 29. 2010 2:36 am
ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights is understood to have been sacked on Sunday afternoon at Windy Hill.
His’ coaching career appeared all but over with the Bombers hierarchy set to meet as early as Monday morning to discuss the plight of Knights and his future at the club.
The Bombers lost to the Western Bulldogs by 29 points in their last match of the season on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.
The playing group are also expected to meet on Monday morning to have their say on coaching matters.
Despite publicly withdrawing his interest from the job last week, Bombers champion James Hird appears certain to be offered the position ahead of other likely candidates including Dean Laidley and Mark Williams.
It is believed the club doesn’t have a lot of confidence in Knights turning around the clubs’ declining membership numbers and their on-field form has been of a main concern.
Another coach that is certain to be under pressure will be Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss after his team finished the season off with seven wins – and only three wins from the past 18 matches.
Voss will be part of a club review but appears likely to be safe at least until next season.
Full praise must go to Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson after coaching his team to victory against league leaders Collingwood on Saturday. The Hawks won by three points and was the first time a club had knocked the Pies off in 10 weeks.
But the big story this week is certain to be Knights and whether he will survive the pressure-heater of a week at Windy Hill.
Cameras have already been set around the house of chief executive Ian Robson in the hope that he will comment on Knights’ position.
Football Nation understands that Knights’ position had already been decided before Saturday night’s match and the Bombers planned to inform the former Tiger of his fate this week.
Vote now for your coach in our exclusive Coach Ratings – should Knights stay or go? Have your say right here.
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