Essendon legend Tim Watson has urged passionate Bombers fans to “put [their] weapons down” as the club gets ready to unveil Mark McVeigh as its new coach.
McVeigh was confirmed as the coach on Monday night, beating out fan favourite James Hird as well as Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham and Adelaide’s coaching director, Murray Davis.
The 45-year-old will be flanked by Essendon president Andrew Welsh and CEO Tim Roberts when he fronts the media from 11am AEST.
Watson, who is arguably the most prominent Essendon voice in the media, said McVeigh’s appointment presented an opportunity for unity.
Tim Watson (pictured) has called for unity at Essendon after Mark McVeigh’s signing. (Getty Images: Michael Willson)
“There’s got to be a unification of the club now,” he told SEN on Tuesday morning.
“People have to put down their weapons and get behind this appointment of a former player — somebody who has been passionate about the football club.
“This is part of the healing process that needs to take place. Ultimately, it’s a much bigger thing than the emotion that might be associated with it now. There is an enormous amount of work to do.
“Congratulations to him. He’s been an Essendon man all his life. He’s loved this football club, that was clear in the days that he played.
“He’s had a great development profile if you look at where he’s been and what he’s been doing. He’s been part of elite coaching departments [at GWS and Sydney].”
Despite beating Hird out for the role, McVeigh shares a strong relationship with his former captain.
McVeigh was prepared to be an assistant under Hird when Hird previously attempted to return as Essendon coach at the end of 2022, before the club appointed Brad Scott instead.
Fellow Essendon great Matthew Lloyd, who also has a relationship with McVeigh, lauded his appointment, indicating McVeigh would be happy to work with Hird.
“All I will say is, Mark would love to have James Hird as part of his staff,” Lloyd told Nine’s Footy Classified on Monday night.
“He [Hird] may say, ‘You are kidding, there’s no way I’m coming, after being overlooked’, but Mark would certainly be open to it.”
McVeigh has signed a three-year contract with Essendon and was the unanimous choice of the Essendon board.
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