West Coast coach Adam Simpson is assured he nonetheless has the total assist of the membership’s board, and says even his spouse was stunned when stories emerged he will probably be taking a three-month break on the finish of the AFL season.
The hearsay mill went into overdrive on Wednesday when whispers emerged Simpson was set to take an imminent break.
The stories had been later clarified to state Simpson would take three months off on the finish of the present marketing campaign however the premiership coach mentioned even that info was incorrect.
“You know, my wife asked a few questions when I got home,” he instructed reporters on Friday.
“(Talk of a three-month break) is just something that’s probably taken out of context.
“I’m seeking to do a bit of non-public growth and doubtless take the household away someplace however not for 3 months.”
Simpson is contracted until the end of 2025, but the club’s dire record over the past 18 months has led a throng of past players, including club great Glen Jakovich, to call for the 47-year-old to step aside.
The Eagles posted a club-worst 2-20 campaign last year, and they currently sit in last spot on the ladder with a 1-9 record and a percentage of 55.4.
Simpson has been publicly backed by the board despite the woeful results.
“I all the time really feel supported from Trevor (chief government Trevor Nisbett) and the board. They’ve been actually good to me,” Simpson said ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Essendon in Perth.
“And I actually wish to repay them with good management. I’ve bought full assist of the board from what I’ve been instructed, so we’ll go from there.”
Damien Hardwick’s decision to step down as coach of Richmond this week shocked the AFL world.
It followed on from North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson taking indefinite leave to focus on his mental health.
Simpson says he is still feeling energised, despite West Coast’s ongoing injury crisis and last week’s embarrassing 116-point loss to fellow strugglers Hawthorn.
“Dimma (Hardwick) has simply completed up and Clarko has stepped apart however I really feel good,” Simpson mentioned.
“I really feel dangerous about the place we’re at and what is going on on with our facet however the power continues to be there.
“I know I look a bit older than I did when I first got here. But I signed up for this.”
Reports have emerged a couple of break up in West Coast’s board, with some reportedly wanting long-serving chief government Nisbett to step apart, and others demanding Simpson be moved on.
Simpson mentioned he avoids studying or viewing the media as a lot as potential.
“What happens with you guys, you’re frothing at the mouth at the moment with the stories and the scandalous stuff and the board (rumours),” Simpson mentioned.
“That does not have an effect on what we do.
“We’ve bought a plan in place. And regardless of the criticism, we’re sticking to the plan.”
The Eagles have been bolstered by the return of Tom Barrass (sickness), Elliot Yeo (groin) and Shannon Hurn (groin) for Saturday’s match in opposition to Essendon.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
