Worsfold to coach Essendon

Former West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold has been named the new senior coach of the Essendon Bombers, while West Coast coach Adam Simpson is likely to be awarded a contract extension after taking the Eagles to this year's grand final.

Worsfold, who had been a central figure in all three of the Eagles’ premierships, said he would try to help Essendon players enjoy the game again when they returned to the club to begin pre-season training.

“There are some challenges from where we’re starting at ... we’ll be aiming to improve year on year,” he said.

“I’ve felt for the Essendon players that they probably haven’t had that love of the game as much as what they should have.

“That’s certainly an aim to make sure that they love turning up to training, that they love playing the game and they love representing the Essendon Football Club.”

His contract is for three years.

Meanwhile, Adam Simpson’s contract, which is scheduled to run out at the end of next season, looks set to be extended.

Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett said today that a contract extension would be drawn up over the summer.