JAMES Hird is welcome at Essendon any time but that invitation doesn’t extend to John Worsfold’s coach’s box.
Hird’s recent comment that he would never say never to coaching again led to speculation a shock return to the club he left him in 2015 after the supplements saga was a possibility.
However, Worsfold told reporters on Tuesday that adding Hird to his coaching panel in any capacity wasn’t in his thinking as he looks to get the Bombers on the right track after an 0-2 start to the season.
“No, I wouldn’t, no,” Worsfold replied when asked if he would entertain the former senior coach’s return.
“That’s not on the radar, not for discussion in any way, shape or form right at this moment.
“I haven’t heard anything about it. I’m not sure where it’s come from … you’re the first person who’s raised that name with me.
“… (But) he’s a champion of this footy club and he’s welcome to walk in the door any day he wants.”
The Bombers, who have started their campaign with losses to GWS and St Kilda, face fellow strugglers Melbourne at the MCG on Friday night.
Worsfold was encouraged by improvement in some areas of his side’s play despite the upset 11-point loss to the Saints.
Kyle Langford’s astonishing decision to run past a ball still in play at Marvel Stadium to get to the interchange bench was seen as emblematic of Essendon’s woes.
It was speculated the error was an indication of wider confusion among the players about the game plan.
Worsfold explained it as a simple brain fade.
“That was the first time I’ve ever seen that in my time in the game,” he said.
“That means that in 600-odd games I’ve been involved with it was an isolated incident.
“Kyle has addressed it with the playing group around what his mindset was at the time and why he made a mistake.
“It was a simple mistake.”
The Bombers could be boosted by the return of versatile tall Cale Hooker against the Demons as he nears full fitness after a pre-season calf injury.
© AAP 2019
