Essendon Bombers approach former player Ted Richards to join board of directors to replace Dean Solomon
Essendon have approached former player Ted Richards to join the board to replace Dean Solomon.
An industry source with knowledge of the discussions, who preferred to remain anonymous, said Richards, 42, was considering whether to replace premier Bomber Solomon, who resigned last month to join the club’s coaching panel.
Here we are again: Former Bomber and Sydney premiership player Ted Richards has been asked to join the Bombers’ board.Credit: Pat Scala
Richards, who is pursuing a career in finance, is expected to make his final decision by the end of the week.
A club spokesman did not want to comment.
Loading
Richards played 33 games for the Bombers from 2002-05 before being traded to Sydney, where he emerged as a key defender under coach Paul Roos. He played a further 228 games, including winning the 2012 grand final in which he edged Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin by three goals.
Solomon’s decision to leave the board in favor of the coaching department sparked backlash across the league, but it was a move supported by captain Zach Merrett, who unsuccessfully sought a trade with Hawthorn.
Merrett confirmed Solomon’s appointment on social media and expressed his excitement at the direction of the club. He posted his announcement on his Instagram story tagged “#7”, suggesting the move could be the first step in improving his relationship with the club. Merrett wears number 7, as does Solomon.
Solomon, the 2000 premiership Bomber, was a long-time assistant coach at Fremantle, Gold Coast and GWS. He also served as the Suns’ interim senior coach.
