Essendon interim coach Dean Solomon is “disappointed” in suggestions that he won’t remain at the Bombers under former teammates and close friends Mark McVeigh or James Hird should either of those two get the full-time role.
Solomon took over as coach after Brad Scott was sacked in May, and had been weighing up whether to throw his hat in the ring for the full-time gig.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Dean Solomon to address Essendon coaching speculation
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But having won just one of his first nine games in charge, Solomon and the Bombers last week came to a mutual agreement that he would not enter the formal process.
Regardless, the 2000 Essendon premiership player had said from the start of his interim coaching role that he would see out his contract at the club until at least the end of next year, in whatever role it required of him.
Reports in recent weeks have suggested the opposite is now true, which has frustrated Solomon, according to 7NEWS Melbourne’s chief footy reporter, Mitch Cleary.
“Suggestions that Dean Solomon — who was in for the job up until only a couple of weeks ago, and had, I believe, been given a strong suggestion he was a strong contender up until a couple of weeks ago — suggestions that he won’t be at the club if Mark McVeigh gets the job has bitterly disappointed Dean Solomon and I think he’ll address this tomorrow in his press conference when he speaks at The Hanger,” Cleary told The Agenda Setters on Monday night.
“I think this cuts to the core of Dean Solomon as to who he is as a person; he’s a proud Essendon man, he has a proud connection with his mates, and any suggestion of a rift with Mark McVeigh and even James Hird by an extension has really frustrated Dean, so I expect he’ll hit back pretty hard.”
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Solomon is privately denying that’s the case, but only time will truly tell.
“I think we’ll only know in the fullness of time, if Mark McVeigh gets the job — which is still a big if, because he’s one of four contenders to this point,” Cleary added.
“Dean Solomon continues to reiterate to people at the Essendon footy club that he wants to do what is best for the club, and that he is yet to decide what next year looks like, although he had said earlier in the year that he wants to remain.
“He is contracted next year. He’s got family interstate. I think there are still a few hoops to jump through to see if Dean Solomon’s at the club next year.”
Cleary said Solomon is yet to make his mind up on his future beyond this year.
Two-time Brownlow medallist and Collingwood premiership player Tom Mitchell said disharmony from within is the last thing the struggling Bombers need.
“If it’s true there is bickering, this is a club that needs to be galvanising right now — you don’t want to be bringing this drama into a footy club,” he said.
“We don’t know if it’s true, it’s speculation, but this is the last thing Essendon need, is drama, when they’re supposed to be galvanising, coming together.”
