“Relief and sadness.” Adam Simpson and West Coast Eagles part ways after 11 years

Adam Simpson departs
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West Coast Eagles 2018 premiership coach Adam Simpson has parted ways with the club, in what appears to be a mutual decision following a tough few years

“The West Coast Eagles and senior coach Adam Simpson have mutually agreed that his 11-year tenure at the club will come to an end,” announced the West Coast Eagles this afternoon ahead of an almost-30 minute press conference with West Coast Chair Paul Fitzpatrick and CEO Don Pyke.

“The sense of a little bit of relief as well as sadness is probably what I feel at the moment,” said Simpson in an emotional, though measured, press conference this afternoon.

“It’s going to take a bit of time but I’ve got a lot of confidence whoever takes over next is going to drive your standards and keep pushing you to get the best out of yourselves and good luck for the future…

“I’ll be sitting in the stands watching.”

Simpson departs as one of six coaches in the Eagles’ 37 year history, and only one of three to lead them to a premiership, joining legends Michael Malthouse (1992, 1994) and John Worsfold (2006).

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The move comes after a lot of speculation surrounding Simpson having lost the confidence of some of the players, along with a poor few games on the back of a promising start to the season.

CEO Don Pyke left the door open for Simpson to coach one last game this weekend at home against the Brisbane Lions, though Simpson did not confirm if he would take up the offer.

Outside of when Simpson departs, attention has of course turned towards who takes over, with West Coast champion ruckman and current Sydney assistant coach Dean Cox tipped as one of the favourites, alongside 2006 premiership player and Carlton assistant coach, Ash Hansen.

“Adam Simpson will forever hold a special place in West Coast Eagles history,” said the club in a statement, and after coaching the Eagles to a win in one of the best grand finals in AFL history, we’re not here to argue one little bit.

Image Credit: West Coast Eagles