Worsfold leaving Crows in AFL

Adelaide have confirmed that John Worsfold is leaving the club, fuelling speculation he will become Essendon’s next AFL senior coach.

The Crows confirmed on Tuesday that Worsfold would not stay at the club beyond this year.

Worsfold, the 2006 West Coast premiership coach, joined Adelaide as their temporary coaching director after the tragic death in July of coach Phil Walsh.

“From the outset there was a clear understanding that it would only be until the end of the season,” Adelaide chief executive Andrew Fagan said on the club website.

“He has explained on a few occasions that personal reasons do not allow him to be based here and we have continued to move forward, working through our list of preferred coaching candidates.”

After initially saying he did not want to return to senior coaching, Worsfold said a few weeks ago that he was warming to the idea of a comeback.

Essendon sent a delegation to Adelaide earlier this month to meet with Worsfold.

But last week the Bombers denied persistent speculation that they had offered him a five-year deal.

Essendon and Adelaide will announce their new coaches by next month.

“John came to the club in the most trying of times following Phil’s death and helped provide leadership and a steadying influence, especially for our coaching group,” Fagan said.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!