David King, Corey McKernan hit out at Caroline Wilson over North Melbourne commentary

A pair of North Melbourne greats has hit back at Caroline Wilson over her commentary on the battling club, with one labelling it an “embarrassing vendetta”.

Fox Footy commentator David King says he is not involved with his old club. Picture: Michael Klein

North Melbourne greats Corey McKernan and David King have hit back at journalist Caroline Wilson over her commentary about the club.

McKernan accused Wilson of holding a long standing vendetta while King said she should not speak for him.

On Wednesday night Wilson said on Footy Classified that the Roos had Eagles coach Adam Simpson in their sights as a cloud hangs over the future of current coach David Noble.

She said North are likely to try and lure the Eagles’ premiership coach to the club in the off-season.

North Melbourne coach David Noble is under pressure. Picture: Michael Klein

“You have got the spectre of Adam Simpson, who is really struggling at West Coast at the moment, has coached them to a flag, but who could be coming to the end of his tenure there — not contractually, but things are not going well,” she said.

“(He is a) North Melbourne man, we know David King has been desperate to get him back there in the past, and Glenn Archer.”

King responded on Twitter: “For the 100th time Caro, do not speak for me.

“I have no role at NM, never have yet you keep up this fanciful charade that I influence decisions. Enough of the complete drivel. I have not once in my life talked to Adam Simpson about coming to the Kangaroos. Get a new line.”

Corey McKernan and David King in their playing days.

McKernan retweeted King’s post with his own comment.

“Don’t think I’ve ever seen in my time in football a embarrassing vendetta against a person or a team. What’s hilarious is that when someone has an opinion against the bully card is played.”

North Melbourne’s issues have been squarely in the spotlight this week after North Melbourne list boss Glenn Luff’s resignation which was one of several shock exits.

Wilson also said Luff’s departure may have been a “direct result” of public criticism from Footy Classified panellist Kane Cornes.

Cornes on Monday raised concerns about North Melbourne’s list management, declaring: “You can’t pick players off a computer screen … Correct me if I’m wrong, I’d like to know one positive list management move they’ve made in the last four or five years.”

Luff’s resignation was announced on Tuesday, while national recruiting manager Mark Finnigan and national recruiting officer Ben Birthisel have also left, sparking much debate about the club’s sweeping rebuild.