Essendon legend calls for unity after McVeigh appointed coach over Hird

Essendon legend Tim Watson has urged fans to "put their weapons down" following the club's decision to appoint Mark McVeigh as senior coach over the highly popular James Hird. McVeigh was confirmed as the new coach on Monday night, beating out Hird, Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham, and Adelaide's coaching director Murray Davis.

Watson, a prominent voice in Essendon media, emphasized that McVeigh's appointment offers an opportunity for unification. "There's got to be a unification of the club now," Watson told SEN. "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."

“

There's got to be a unification of the club now. 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.

He added that McVeigh's selection is part of a necessary healing process for the club, stating, "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." Watson praised McVeigh's development profile, noting his experience in elite coaching departments at GWS and Sydney.

Fellow Essendon great Matthew Lloyd also endorsed the choice, suggesting McVeigh would be receptive to Hird potentially joining his staff. "All I will say is, Mark would love to have James Hird as part of his staff," Lloyd commented. McVeigh, who has signed a three-year deal, was the unanimous choice of the Essendon board. He and Hird share a strong relationship, with McVeigh having been willing to serve as an assistant under Hird previously.

“

All I will say is, Mark would love to have James Hird as part of his staff.