Kevin Sheedy ‘not happy’ at way Essendon announce ‘fully endorsed’ decision to make Brad Scott coach

Essendon board member Kevin Sheedy has blasted the club, revealing he was against the decision to appoint Brad Scott as coach.

Sheedy, who coached the Bombers from 1981 to 2007, says fellow former Essendon coach James Hird was his pick for the job as he seeks redemption for his role in the club’s infamous supplements saga.

His claims contradict Essendon’s announcement of former North Melbourne boss Scott as coach that claimed the decision was “fully endorsed” by the board.

Sheedy, who is currently in California, said he is “extremely disappointed” in how Essendon shared Scott’s appointment with the fans.

“I am extremely disappointed that the comment from my club was that it was fully endorsed, when in fact I voted for James Hird to be the coach of Essendon,’’ Sheedy told the Herald Sun.

“The vote was 6-1.

‘’Now, I would’ve expected that to have been written, and that in the end, the board actually won that vote.

“But I want to make sure all the fans know that I voted for James Hird, and I’m extremely disappointed with the report that went out from the Essendon media department.

“I’m not happy.”

Camera Icon Brad Scott on Friday after being confirmed as coach. Credit: Robert Cianflone/via AFL Photos

Sheedy added while he supported Scott, he felt Hird’s contribution to the club made him the best man for the head coach position.

“I actually felt insulted that Hird would think I voted against him after what he’s done for our club,” he said.

“I thought he needed a second opportunity, but that’s not to say I won’t support the coach who has been appointed.

“It’s nothing against the board; it’s the way it was reported by our media department.’’

Scott threw his hat into the ring at the last minute on Thursday and quickly became the favourite for the job before being announced as coach that evening.

Essendon president Dave Barham left the door open for Hird to return to the club in some capacity despite being overlooked for the coaching post.

“Hirdy will always be a champion of this football club,” Barham said on Friday.

“I can’t speak for him on whether he wants to get involved or whatever, that will be something for him, but he’ll always be loved by this footy club.”