Embattled AFL club Essendon is set to announce the return of four-time premiership coach Kevin Sheedy after seven years away from the club.
Various media outlets are reporting that Sheedy, who has spent the last five years helping the AFL establish the Greater Western Sydney Giants, will return to the Melbourne club as general manager of club projects and innovation, in a five-year deal worth a reported $250,000 a year.
The role would be largely promotional, and would see Sheedy sit on the board of the club, which has been embroiled in a doping scandal over the last two years. Essendon have reportedly been attempting to woo Sheedy back since 2013.
Essendon coach James Hird this week announced that he would not be taking his challenge against the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to the High Court, but maintains his objection to the Authority’s investigation into the Bombers’ supplements program.
34 past and present Essendon players are under investigation by ASADA, and 17 current Bombers will miss this week’s opening NAB Challenge match due to provisional suspension by the AFL.
Related: Essendon Players To Recieve AFL Infraction Notices
Any new deal with the Bombers may need to be negotiated with GWS; Sheedy’s contract with the Giants expires in 2017.
Sheedy is considered a legend at Essendon, having coached the club to premierships in 1984, 1985, 1993 and 2000. His last match as coach coincided with Hird’s final match as captain in 2007.
[via Fairfax Media, News Corp, 3AW, and Guardian Australia]
