James Hird resigns: Australia reacts to James Hird parting ways with Essendon

JAMES Hird resigned on Tuesday, but it was something unrelated to footy that really hit him hard. Here’s how Australia reacted.

James Hird press conference The tear Picture:Wayne Ludbey

JAMES Hird began his journey with Essendon when he was 17 years old. Since then, he has spent the better part of 25 years involved at Windy Hill as both a player and coach, carving out a reputation as one of the club’s favourite sons.

Now his official relationship with the Bombers is over after the 42-year-old announced his resignation at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. He finally succumbed to the pressure that was mounting following the continued fallout from the supplements saga combined with a horror season in which the Dons have won only five games. This is how Australia reacted.

THE MAN HIMSELF

For the most part, Hird did his best to keep his emotions in check while facing the media. He delivered the news of his resignation with a calm demeanour, but when it came to talking about his family, it was too difficult to hold back tears.

He apologised to them for “what you’ve had to endure” given the intense scrutiny he has faced, saying it will be “good for my family to get some space from the media spotlight”.

Hird’s main message was that he hoped his departure would allow the club and its players space to go out and do what they do best — play football.

“We want to be a football club, not at the centre of media circus. By leaving, I hope it will allow them to go back to being a football club,” Hird said in reference to the off-field scandals he believes have impacted their on-field performances.

“I believe the club needs the ability to get some space; I hope that me going allows the club to get some space.

“I hope the AFL industry finally gives the players the chance to play football.”

He addressed the toll the drugs controversy had on him, thanking “those who fought for the truth and believed in justice”, and saying he would never forget the people “who stood up when everyone else disappeared”.

Hird’s sadness at leaving his players was evident as he shared personal stories about his relationships with members of the team. His best was describing picking Jobe Watson up for his first training session, only to be scolded by coach Kevin Sheedy for arriving late.

One thing for certain is that Hird has no plans for his immediate future, saying he has “no idea what I’ll do”.

The writing was on the wall following some heavy defeats.

ESSENDON

Essendon chairman Paul Little said Hird’s decision was the result of numerous discussions held over the past month where it was agreed he would step down if the board believed it was in the best interests of the club.

He said “the ongoing distraction of the ASADA [Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority] affair played a role” in Hird’s departure, and made it clear that Hird understood “his own performance was measured by the results of the team”, which this season have been abysmal.

Little paid homage to Hird’s involvement with the club, calling him “a loyal and dedicated servant over the last 25 years”.

“James Hird’s place in the history of our club can never be questioned,” said Little.

“He’ll forever be remembered as a champion of this club. A legend.”

CURRENT AND FORMER PLAYERS

The reaction from current and former players was united in its support for Hird. Former Bombers Cory Dell’Olio and Dean Rioli took to Twitter to voice their approval.

Hirdy not lying when he says he cared for his players!! A real good man! Good luck to him in the future!!

— Cory Dell'Olio (@cdellolio_) August 18, 2015

I still got your back Hirdy @EssendonFC

— Dean Rioli (@DeanoRio) August 18, 2015

Speaking straight after Hird’s announcement, Bomber Jobe Watson said his overriding feeling was one of sadness.

“I don’t feel resentment (towards Hird), I just feel sad,” he said.

Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 program, Watson’s teammate Brendon Goddard said “James is a good man, I respect him as much as any person I know”.

“Right now it’s pretty raw...it’s pretty disappointing to be honest.”

MEDIA

Writing for The Age, senior AFL correspondent Rohan Connolly said Hird’s sacking had reduced Essendon to “little more than a laughing stock both on and off the field”, claiming his departure was “bordering on farcical”.

Speaking on 1116 SEN’s The Run Home, the Herald Sun’s Mark Robinson said “James Hird’s coaching time at Essendon will be looked at as a disaster for a multitude of reasons”.

Callum Tworney of AFL.com believes Hird’s parting leaves more questions than answers about his coaching capacity, saying “there are several shades of grey when assessing Hird’s coaching ability”, while also saying that “Essendon finds itself stuck in perhaps its darkest era” following his exit.

Fairfax’s Caroline Wilson agreed with the Essendon board that it was time for Hird to go, saying “despite the poor timing the decision to cut ties with its one-time saviour was the correct one whatever the financial and emotional cost”.

FANS

There was a mixed reaction from Essendon supporters. Some felt sorry for the club stalwart, some believed he should have been shown the door earlier and some were just plain angry.

Essendon can't even get a sacking of a coach right. Why get rid of Hird with three games to go? Should have been two years ago. #afl #Hird

— John Baker (@JackDyer17) August 18, 2015

Shouldn't have been allowed to coach again, why the Dons gave him a extension who knows #Hird #afl

— Thomas Elmer (@elmo_2112) August 18, 2015

#PutYourPeptidesOut #standbyhird pic.twitter.com/sqCIx7jJSI

— Troy Hallam (@rumballz) August 18, 2015

Congrat's @EssendonFC Thank you @afl I'm done! #JoinsClubsRunByMedia #ClubHasSoldIt'sSole #AFLRunByMuppets pic.twitter.com/qGrMigde3K

— SJWillow (@MakeBirdiePutt) August 18, 2015

James Hird I will always love & respect u. I'm in tears knowing u are no longer with us. Hope all the bullies are happy! #isupportthe34

— Melinda (@bellabella1369) August 18, 2015

Absolute rubbish if #JamesHird has been forced to resign, he has done nothing but stand by the club #efc #essendon #afl #nothappyjan

— Ash (@GREENXGRASS) August 18, 2015

WHO WILL REPLACE HIRD?

Speculation on who will take Hird’s place as coach has already begun, with Sportsbet.com.au opening up a market to look at the frontrunners for the role.

The favourite is former Port Adelaide and Hawthorn player Stuart Dew, priced at $4, sitting in front of the head of Fremantle’s development academy Simon Lloyd.

Essendon assistants Mark Harvey and Nathan Bassett join Collingwood midfield coach Scott Burns in rounding out the top five candidates, while the likes of Mark Thompson, Mick Malthouse and Brett Ratten are rank outsiders, paying $41.

Originally published as James Hird resigns: Australia reacts to James Hird parting ways with Essendon