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Ben Rutten has been sacked as Essendon coach.
In a statement released on Sunday afternoon following an emergency board meeting, the club confirmed it will part ways with the 39-year old, following a turbulent week.
“We know this has been an incredibly tough time for Ben and his family, and broadly, our whole club. We wish to thank Ben, as well as wife Kylie and children Jack and Bernie for their contribution to the Essendon Football Club,” Bombers president David Barham said.
“Ben’s commitment and care for this playing group was second to none, and we thank him for his dedication to what we recognise is an all-consuming role as senior coach.
“The unfortunate reality is, at various stages this season; we have simply been uncompetitive. And while we acknowledge that we have an emerging playing list, we were compelled to make the decision.
“Our members and supporters do, and should, expect better from a proud football club. We appreciate this has been a difficult chapter for our Club. But as I said in my President’s address pre-game yesterday, we will be a bold and courageous football club again. We need to return to being a successful football club.
(Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“We will thoroughly and diligently consider our next steps and in due course, will communicate the process of our next senior coach appointment.”
Rutten’s departure concludes a disastrous week for the Bombers, which began with former president Paul Brasher resigning and included a last-minute attempt to sign Alastair Clarkson as coach, which Clarkson himself revealed came ‘far too late’.
Rutten took the Bombers to a surprise finals appearance in 2021, his first season officially in charge following a controversial coaching succession plan with John Worsfold, but a disappointing 7-15 season has seen him moved on.
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